EARLY RECOLLECTIONS OF
JAMAICA,
&e. &e.
EARL RECOLLECTIONS OF
Y
JAMAICA,
WITH THE
PARTICULARS OF AN EVENTFUL PASSAGE HOME
VIA
NEW YORK AND HALIFAX,
AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE
AMERICAN WAR IN 1812;
TO WHICH ARE ADDED, TRIFLES FROM ST. HELENA
RELATING TO NAPOLEON AND HIS SUITE.
BY B. J. VERNON,
LALE CHAPLAIN TO THE H. E. I, C.
LONDON :
WHITTAKER AND CO., AVE MARIA LANE.
J. VINCENT, OXFORD.
1848.
TO
GEORGE VANDEPUT DRURY, Esautre,
or Sunotover House,
IN THE COUNTY OF OXFORD.
My Dear S1r,—It has been well observed, that ‘f In
a country like England, where there is such free and
unbounded scope for the operation of intellect, and
where opinion and example have such weight with the
people, every gentleman of fortune and leisure should
feel bound to employ himself.”
If all individuals of this class felt the obligation, and
endeavoured to discharge it, as you do ;—if they would
promote the welfare of their dependents by providing
occasional means of recreation, to keep them from the
ruinous pleasures of the alehouse,—by making employ-
ment on their own estates, for the unoccupied, when
work is scarce,—by clothing the naked and feeding the
hungry, in cases of real, but temporary distress ;—it
would be happy indeed for the labouring class«s in their
respective neighbourhoods; happy for themselves; happy
for the nation at large.
That you may be abundantly blest in this philan-
thropic course, and long preserved to encourage others
by your salutary example, is the earnest prayer of,
My dear Sir,
Your obliged and affectionate friend and servant,
THE AUTHOR.
During a long and tedious convalescence, I have
found amusement in recording the following trifles. I
do not expect others to read them with much interest ;
but, it was impossible to review the most eventful
period of my younger days, without finding benefit to
myself. I could not recall the toil and trouble and
danger encountered in the passage from Jamaica to
England, without lifting up my heart in grateful ac-
knowledgments to the Giver of all good, for so many
unmerited mercies and providential interpositions in my
behalf.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Singular Effect of touching a Lizard—Changes of Colowr—
Snakes—Not Venomous—One Exception mentioned by
Mr. Beckford—Power of Fascination— Yellow Snakes—
Destructive to Poultry — Startled by One — Water
Withe. j ; ; j ; . ; é 1
CHAPTER II.
Cattle preserved in Dron ht by Plantain T'ecs—Impatient
‘onduct of a Negro— Singular Phenomenon — Sink
Holes—Narrow Escape of an Overscer—£ Phosphorescent
Wood. . ; . F ; ; ; ; 10
CHAPTER ITI.
Ring-tail—Bald Pate — Blue Pigeon — Moui vain Witch,
&¢c., Parrots — Parroquets — Parrot Soup — Turtle —
Blach Crabs—Disqusting Habits—Soldier Crabs—Gre-
gartious—Peculiarity of—-Oyste rs on Trees—Alligator—
Serious Effects from Negroes’ Teeth. . , 17
CHAPTER IV.
Slaves Branded — Advertisement of a Runaway — Snart
brought Home Promises Amendment—Repeats the Of-
fence — Again Punished — Runs Away— Unexpected
Rencontre—“Nyoung Massa” in Jeopardy—P rovidential
Escape—Inkle the Cougo—Population of Congo when
Discovered by the Po ‘tuguese— Description of Inkle—
Filed Teeth—Awful Death from Lightning—Inkles
Delight in Rat-Eating—Method of Catching and Cook-
CONTENTS.
tng them—Runs Away—Suspicious Report—Arduous
Lxpedition—Suspect a Trap. . ; ; 28
CHAPTER V.
Confidence Restoreda—Negro Method of Tracking a Wood—
Find Poor Inkle’s Bones—Remarkable Confirmation of
their Ideutity—Origin of the Maroons—Cause of Ma-
voon War—Fate of a Detachment of Ti 00ps—*Cock-
pits’—Lieut.-Col. Quarl—Ejfect of Hewitzers—Cudjoe
brought to Terms—Scandalous Breach of Faith—Rem-
nant of Maroons at Sierra Leone, in 1825—Bloodhounds,
with Chasseurs, Imported from Cuba— The Dog
© Buily? — Catches a Runaway— The Watchman at-
tempts to Escape—Overtaken bu © Bully? —Brutal Threats
of Wi.—Their Awful Consequences—The Aged Watch-
man—Vultures—fkind the Old Slave Dead in his Hut—
The Church Bells now Gladden the Scene of the Catas-
trophe. . ‘ . . , , : : 41
CHAPTER VI.
Wild Duck Shooting—Ejfects of Miasma—Fever— Untimely
Jokes—-Bitter Wood Bark—Cold Ajfusion—Iqnorance
of an Overseer— Workhouse Gang—Cruel Trick of a
Negro Boy——Leave Jamaica—Steerage Passenger—The
Mate—The Convoy—Caymanas-—Barter jor Turtle. 58
CHAPTER VIL.
Havannah—Leaky Boat—Spanish Coffee House— War with
America—Capture of a Privateer—Calm— Yellow Fever
in the Flect—Frequent Deaths—Tamarind Water—
Cold Affusion injudiciously Preseribed—A uful Death of
Steerage Passenger — Unpleasant Leflections—-Hurri-
cane—It's Ejfects—Tiller Broken—Fleet Dispersed—
Polyphemus in Sight—Dilatory Conduct of the Captain—
Make Sail-——Course Sh iped to Avoid the Convoy—Single
Ship—Self-Satisfaction of the Captain. . ; 66
MOUS
28
~
Ti of
Ma-
ely
nce
fa
The
CONTENTS. lll
CHAPTER VIII.
Suspicious Vessel—The Mates Lamentation—The Priva-
tecr-—Serious Conduct of the Mate—Captain’s Loss of
Appetii:-—First Broadside — Bobbing the Head —In
Danger of oeing Raked Fore and Aft—Tohnny Sprawl-
tng—lequests me to Watch the Shot—Johnny runs be-
low—Lg univocal Conduct of the Captain—Consultation—
The last Cartridge—Haul down the Colours— Mate’s
Coolness—Privatcer’s Boats Alongside . : 13
CHAPTER IX.
Appearance Gnd Behaviour of th: Americans—Disgraceful
Boast of the Privatecr’s Carpenter—Riotous Conduct—
Conference with the Yankee Captain—Mis Kindness—
Old Sohn—leciurn to the Prize—Old John’s Scheme of
Retaliation—Delicacy of the American Officers. . 81
CHAPTER X.
Boston Privateer Narrow Escape from bad Reckoning—
Arrival of Sandy Look—Quarantine Ground—Duel-
ling Pis?: Is—A Yankee Misses the Mark—Cruel In-
sult—Arri vce at New York—City Marshal. ‘ 88
CHAPTER XI.
Mect Old Johu-—Hospitable Irishnan—Second Interview
with Mr. Curtenius—Ship for England— Cruel Disap-
pointment—Messirs. Abraham Rucker and Co.—Liber-
ality of the Ainerican Owners— Unpleasant Frolic of a
Drunken Sailor—Unexpected Good Fortune. 97
CHAPTER XII.
Meet with Tohnny—His Dereliction—American Protection—
Shameful Conduct of Captain — Stormy Rencontre—
Pleasant Meeting with the Mate — Put on Parole—
Sail from New York in the Jane Maria — Captain
Lawrence. . ; . , ‘ . ° 105
iv CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIII.
Uncomfortable Bed—Captain Flyan—The Selfish Man—
New Method of Broaching a Cask—Mutiny—Spring a
Leak—Infidel Doctor— Brief Account of his Death many
Years after. . : ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ . 1138
CHAPTER XIV.
Miss the Halifax Light—The Lonely Harbour—A Vistt to
the Shore—Deserted Farm—The Old Irishman and
Family — Proceed to ialifar — Embark for Eng-
land. : ; : ; : ; ; 125
CHAPTER XV.
Signal for a Surgeon——Death on Board—Cod Fishing—
Part from the Convay— False Alarm— The Selfish
Mess—Potatoes and Pork—Dificulty and Danger of
getting Dinner—The Unfortunate Tea Kettle—Flynn’s
Mal Practices — The Lost Quarter of Beef — The
Invalid—The Barber in Disgrace. 183
CHAPTER XVI.
Coast of Ireland — Pleasant Introduction—Romantie In-
cident—TIrish Hospitality—Cove of Cork—Death of the
Envalid—Nuisance of an Irish Wake—Land at Ply-
mouth Dock—Arvrive in London. , : 140
Trifles from St. Helena. . ; sR : 149
CHAPTER I.
SInGULAR Errect oF Toucuine A LizARD—CHANGES OF
CoLour—Snakes—Not VEnomous—Oner Exception
MENTIONED BY Mr. Beckrorp—Power or Fascina-
TION— YELLOW SNakeS—Destrecrive to Pouttrr—
STARTLED BY ONE—WatTER WITHE.
Jamaica is the largest of the British West India
Islands. It has been so frequently described by
abler hands, that I shall not attempt a delineation
of the incomparable beauties of its scenery, nor
any detail of its statistics. For the latter task, a
lapse of thirty years has totally disqualified me ;
and the most gifted pen would be found scarcely
equal to the due performance of the former.
Most persons are aware that it has been in our
possession since the days of Cromwell ; in whose
time it was taken from the Spaniards by an arma-
ment under the command of Penn and Venables.
It is equally well known that it’s latitude is between
17° 44° and 18° 34° North, and it’s longitude be-
tween 75° 51’ and 80° 22’ West.
2 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
But, with such matters I have little to do, my
business lies with its negroes, birds, and reptiles
and some trifling natural phenomena, which at the
time filled my youthful mind with wonder, greatly
excited my curiosity, and made a vivid impression
on my memory.
This interesting island abounds in snakes and
lizards, which during a residence of two or three
years in the mountains, were a source of amuse-
ment to a younger brother and myself. The latter
are in great variety, and some of them of remark-
able beauty—one kind, about six inches long, is
marked in diamond-shaped squares of various
hues, resembling tinsel, of blue, gold, silver and
black. The negroes called it the ‘“ Yellow snake’s
waiting boy,” I suppose by way of testifying
their admiration of its gaudy livery.
We used frequently to feed a tribe of these at
the window, with small pieces of raw meat, and
they soon became tolerably familiar.
I remember my surprise on touching one with
the tip of my finger, about an inch from the extre-
mity of its tail, to find that it immediately sepa-
rated at the spot. JI was cruel enough to repeat
the experiment on several others, at various times,
using the utmost gentleness, but always with the
same dire effect ; wherever my finger came in con-
tact with the tail, there it divided and fell off.
I have been recently told that travellers in Italy
have witnessed the same result.
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 3
Another, and to my taste the most splendid
specimen, was a large lizard from eight to ten
inches long. On first beholding it in a state of
perfect repose it would appear of a brilliant light
green, asit were semi-transparent. On clapping
my hands, or shaking the bough on which it rested,
it would start, and instantly become curiously
mottled with brown; a repetition of the noise or
shaking would cause it to assume a darker colour,
and a second repetition would generally change it
to one uniform black.
I would then retire a few paces, and in perfect
stillness, watch the gradual return to its original
colour. It was a kind of natural dissolving view
in miniature. The black would fade through all
the different shades of brown; at one stage it was
beautifully mottled; by almostimperceptible degrees
every vestige of the darker colour would disappear,
and it’s delicate and pellucid green coat return in all
its beauty.
It commonly occupied from five to ten minutes
to complete these changes. If, after they were
accomplished, I frightened the same reptile again,
it required a longer time to perfect them, and
indeed, I seldom had the patience to wait for the
result. In cold weather this lizard is rarely visible ;
but if met with, it is then of a brown colour.
The Negroes called it the Guana; but I believe
it to be the “ Bullaris” of naturalists.
Early Recollections of Jamaica.
The Guana or Iguana is thus described in works
on natural history. ‘* Long round tail; back ser-
rated ; the throat crest denticulated. It grows to
a considerable size, sometimes it 1s inree, four, or
five feet long. The general colour is green shaded
with brown. The back is strongly serrated, which
as well as the denticulations of the pouch at the
throat, give it a formidable appearance. Guanas
make a considerable part of the subsistence of the
inhabitants of the Bahama Islands, for which pur-
pose they visit many remote Islands in their sloops
to catch them, which they do by dogs trained for
the purpose. The flesh is easy of digestion.” *
Small black snakes were very numerous, per-
fectly harmless, though bold when invaded, and
would fight with resolution.
Accompanied by a terrier, I one day came sud-
denly on several of these basking inthe sun. The
dog seemed disposed to attack them; which I en-
couraged. As he rushed towards them barking
furiously, two or three of the larger ones appeared
determined to cover the retreat of the others. They
raised themselves on end, and one after the other
darted at his nose; having each inflicted a bite
which elicited a simultaneous yelp from Pincher,
they hastened away after their companions. On
examining the dog’s nose, it was spotted with blood
from small punctures, such as might have been in
2 See Cyclop. Lizard.
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 5
flicted by the point of a sharp needle—not the
slightest swelling ensued, nor did he appear to
suffer the least inconvenience; from which I set
them down to be perfectly innocuous.
I never met with, or heard of, any venomous
snake, and therefore readily yielded to the com-
monly received opinion, that every species of this
reptile found in Jamaica, was harmless.
Mr. Beckford’s experience however, contradicts
this. Since writing the above I have met with his
“ Descriptive Account of the Island of Jamaica,”
published in 1790; at the 368th page, vol. 1. he
Says :—
“T was once very severely bitten by a little
brown snake, which wound itself round my leg,
and which did not inflict it’s wound until it was
accidentally trodden upon ; and while it lay writh-
ing under my foot it made two or three repeated and
painful attacks. Icouldnot put myleg to the ground,
and my face began to turn black, when I was
comfortably relieved by a friction of sweet oil and
laudanum. I should not have mentioned this
trifling incident, did not a vulgar error prevail,
that makes this reptile of every species harmless.”
The black snakes feed largely upon lizards; the
smaller kinds of which I have seen them catch.
Once I had an opportunity of witnessing their
power of fascination, 1. e. of frightening the poor
defenceless victim to a stand-still.
6 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
Walking over a piece of ruinate” which had been
recently cut, and was then thickly studded with
small stumps three or four feet high, I observed a
common lizard coming in great haste towards me,
as if frightened at something, and run half-way up
one of these stumps. I knew it was not me he
feared. Being curious to discover the cause of his
alarm, I stood still. In a few seconds a slight
rustling among the dry leaves and bushes on the
ground, indicated the approach of a snake, which
I perceived to be gliding along towards the unfor-
tunate lizard’s resting-place. The lizard could,
with ease, have gained the top of the stump ; or he
might have sought shelter on the opposite side of
it, where he would have been hidden from the
view of his enemy. But he seemed to be deprived
of all power of flight, with his head turned to one
side, and his little sharp eye fixed on the approach-
ing snake. In this attitude he remained perfectly
motionless, and was unresistingly seized and swal-
lowed head-foremost.
I had the cruelty to drive another lizard to the
same place. The instant he caught sight of the
snake a like paralyzing effect was produced upon
him. He turned his head, and fixed his eye on the
object of his dread, as the former one had done;
and was, in like manner, seized and swallowed in
b Wood which had been felled some years before and allowed
to grow again.
Karly Recollections of Jamaica. 7
his turn. I completed my boyish cruelty by killing
the snake.
There was more excuse perhaps for waging a
war of extermination against the more formidable
yellow snake. Some of these I have been amused
to see exhibited in this country, under the more im-
posing name of Boa Censtrictor. They were very
destructive to poultry, and in consequence were
never spared when met with.
One morning at an early hour, an old negress,
who from her peculiarly misshapen form and ex-
aggerated features had been derisively named
Venus, and who had charge of the poultry, came
to my bed-room door ina state of great excitement
and alarm, erying out, ‘‘ Young Massa, make haste
come! big big yellow snake da nyam de chicken.”
I arose in haste and proceeded with her to the
stockhouse.
A hen had, on the previous evening, been care-
fully shut up in a coop with six half-grown chickens,
to secure them from the rats; during the night an
enormous snake had squeezed himself through the
bars and devoured three of the brood. Having
satisfied his appetite for the time, he lay coiled up
in huge folds at the bottom of the coop. The poor
hen and her three remaining chickens were strutting
to and fro upon their torpid enemy, uttering uneasy
cries. I held in my hand a cutlass; having roused
the gorged monster by a sharp prick with its point,
8 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
with a loud hiss he darted his head through the
bars, and gave me a favourable opportunity of
cutting it off; which I was not slow in effecting,
to the great satisfaction of Venus. She liberated
the hen and chickens from their doleful confine-
ment, and with some difficulty I removed the
carcass of the snake, in which were visible three
protuberances, distinctly marking the positions of
the chickens he had swallowed. He measured
about nine feet in length, and the same number of
inches round the thickest part. I usually carried
a cutlass in my daily walks, and destroyed many
of these destructive creatures.
One day, as I was shooting in the woods, being
tired and thirsty, I deposited my gun and game
on a rock, and looked round for some means of
quenching my thirst; which I had often found in
natural reservoirs formed by the spurs of large
trees, which sometimes contained more than a gal-
lon of cool and wholesome water. One of these
I soon discovered, and joyfully climbed up several
feet, by the help of large vines which twined round
the tree. On gaining the desired height, I stooped
my head, to ascertain if any water remained in
the hole. A yellow snake had been before-hand
with me; and ere I could clearly make out what
the object really was, I found his head within an
inch or two of my nose. It will be readily sup-
posed I made a hasty retreat ; and as he remained
the
of
ing,
ted
ine-
the
ree
| of
red
r of
ried
ANY
ing
ime
s of
in
rge
ral-
ese
ral
nd
bed
in
nd
hat
an
1p-
ed
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 9
quiet, I left him in undisputed possession of his
bath. This adventure prevented my seeking
refreshment from similar sources in future.
During a walk with the driver, named “ Cub-
benna,” to inspect the Negro provision grounds,
I asked him how the runaways managed to get
sufficient water in long continued dry seasons.
“Oh!” said he, “‘ plenty water-withe in de wood.”
I was curious to see this “ water-withe,” and
desired him to point it out if we should meet with
any in our route, which we soon did. It resem-
bled a large grape vine about as thick as my wrist,
and rose perpendicularly from the ground to the top
branches of a lofty tree. My companion with his
cutlass separated a portion of it, about a yard long,
which he reversed, and a small stream of pure
cool water flowed from it. Having tasted it, I
wished to shew the singular production to my
friends, and carried it home with great care in a
horizontal position. After a walk of two or three
miles, during which much escaped, it half-filled a
small tumbler with liquid which could not be dis-
tinguished from the purest spring-water.
CHAPTER Il.
CATTLE PRESERVED IN Drovuant By PLantatn TREES—
Impattent Conpuct or a NrecGro—Sineutar PHe-
NOMENON—SINK Hotes—Narrow EscarE OF AN
OvVERSEER—PHosPHORESCENT Woop.
“We are told that the early Spanish historians,
for Jamaica, wrote Haymaca, which in the lan-
guage of the nation is said to have signified a
country abounding in springs. The number of it’s
rivers being reckoned at above one hundred.” ‘
Nevertheless, some mountain districts are but scan-
tily provided with this necessary. Many estates
have to rely on a precarious supply caught in tank:
during the rainy season. These frequently fail ix
long periods of drought; and I have known th
drippings from cuttings of the Plantain tree sus:
pended over a basin, to be used in such an emer.
gency. The lives of cattle were often preserved by
these trees being chopped up and thrown to them.
I have often relieved my thirst in a plantain walk.
by plunging the blade of a knife, or, what was
© See Cyclop. Jamaica
th
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 11
better, a large thorn from the orange or citron,
into one of the trees; a small cool “ jet d@eau”
would follow its removal, in sufficient quantity,
but not equal in quality te that from the water-
withe. The plantain impregnated it with it’s own
juice, which was somewhat bitter and astringent.
In one long dry season the ponds in the pastures
had failed, and the only tank, on which we depended
for culinary purposes and washing, had rapidly
decreased to the depth of a few inches from the
muddy bottom; and, indeed, had become little
better than a mass of living animalcules—cattle
were dying daily—we ourselves in no comfortable
plight, found relief from parching thirst in a for-
tunate abundance of shaddocks, oranges, pines, &e.
But, nothing is an efficient substitute for water
from the spring. A slave was despatched to a
distance of several miles, with a mule and pair of
breakers, for a supply. The clouds had been
gathering for several days, and we were tantalized
by every indication of approaching rain, which
constantly ended in disappointment. In due time
the messenger returned. When he had arrived
within sight of the house, the clouds suddenly
burst and sent fortha torrent. The negro naturally
impatient and passionate, overcome with rage at
having undergone the fatigue, (of what he now
considered a useless mission,) actually upset the
breakers in his fury, and presented himself before
21 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
his master without bringing one drop of water.
The rain also had ceased too soon to afford an
opportunity of catching any quantity; and the
sulky slave was justly punished, by being com-
pelled to repeat his errand that night, and finally
came back again with well filled casks.
Many mountain districts appeared to be based
on a foundation of limestone rock, curiously honey-
combed with perpendicular calibres, varying from
a diameter of many feet, to the size of the bore of
a pocket pistol. This, to my youthful mind, ac-
counted for a sudden and deep sinking of the soil
in many places, during the rainy season. It was
no uncommon thing to find in the morning, a large
chasm yawning in a place over which you had
walked the day before, of considerable depth, and
occasionally, unfathomable.
I once witnessed a phenomenon of this nature
which took place in the day time.
Our house stoodonarising ground commanding a
view of several pastures of rich guinea grass, which
lay before it. The periodical rains had commenced ;
and for several preceding J::ys thunder had pealed,
lightnings flashed, and fieavy clouds discharged
their burden. My father and I were walking up
and down a large room, occasionally looking
through the windows at a considerable body of
water, which had collected in a low spot in one of
these pastures, and which covered, probably, half
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 13
an acre of grass. He observed that it would bea
great advantage to the estate if the water were to
remain where it was; and said, we must contrive
to make a good tank there, since the rain runs so
freely to the spot.
We turned away and resumed our walk. A
few minutes afterwards he cast his eyes again
towards it, and hastily exclaimed, look! look! it
is all gone!
I ran to the window. All the water had indeed
disappeared. Curiosity induced me to go instantly
to the place, which I approached with great
caution. ‘Taking a circuitous route, I gained the
side of an abrupt hill immediately above it, and
looked down, in astonishment, upon an immense
hole of irregular shape, five or six yards long, and
about half that breadth; which sufficiently ac-
counted for the sudden escape of the water. It
had, as I conceived, carried the saturated mould
through some immense bore in the rock beneath.
After the rains had ceased and the ground
become dry and hard, I inspected the place more
narrowly, and even ventured to leap down upon
the grass below, which rose to a point in the
centre, where it had sunk but a few feet from
the surface. From this point, the earth shelved
steeply on all sides to a considerable depth, form-
ing an immense mound, which was surrounded by
a large and gloomy cavern.
14 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
These “Sink Holes,” as they were called, were
very dangerous to man and beast. Cattle were
frequently lost in them. A slave ran away when
ordered to be flogged, and made direct for one of
these awful places which happened to be near, as
if he were bent on self destruction. On reaching
the edge of the chasm, he cleared it at a bound.
The enraged overseer in eager pursuit, endeavour-
ing to do the same, fell in and was crippled for
life. Fortunately he was arrested in his fall by a
projecting ledge, or he would have disappeared for
ever; for the depth could not be fathomed by the
longest line. I knew the overseer, and have seen
the sink hole on an estate called Middlesex, in
St. Elizabeth’s.
Returning home one night at a late hour, on
foot, through the high woods, accompanied by a
young slave, we had great difficulty in keeping the
track; and often losing it for several minutes, it
became a question whether we had not better select
a spot to rest in, and patiently wait the return of
day. The unpleasant nature of the accommo-
dation, rife with snakes, lizards, scorpions and
centipedes, (not to mention enormous rats) induced
me to persevere; and as often as we regained the
lost path, hope revived and we pressed forward.
At length a glimmering light appeared every now
and then through the bushes. On asking my
Early Recollections of Jamaica. a
companion what he thought it could be, he replied
it must be a runaway’s fire, and advised me strongly
not to approach it any nearer. Being determined
to discover what it was, and having a good sharp
cutlass in my hand, I cautiously advanced, holding
the boy firmly by his smock frock, lest fear should
lead him to desert. Ue trembled from head to
foot, and it was difficult to prevail on him to move:
by dint of whispered threats, however, he was
made to proceed. When we had arrived within
afew yards of the object, nothing could induce the
negro to advance another step. His teeth chat-
tered, and his whole frame shook. I was therefore
obliged to make a closer inspection alone. It was
manifest that no danger was to be apprehended,
although I could not understand the nature of the
strange appearance.
It seemed to be a mass of phosphorescent light,
about two feet high, the same in breadth, and eight
feet long; emitting such a glare as to illuminate
objects around for many yards. I approached
closer, and stuck the point of my cutlass into it
with considerable force. It trembled and sent
forth ahollow sound. The frightened boy declared
itimust be “Duppy,”* nor could I persuade him,
until I had broken off a large piece, that it was
nothing more than a rotten fragment of a decayed
d [vil Spirit.
16 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
tree. The piece I had broken off served admirably
for a torch to guide our way. On reaching home
I frightened some relatives who were in bed, by
rushing with the seeming fire brand, close up to
the gauze mosquito curtains.
CHAPTER III.
Rine-tTa1n— Bato Patr—Buive P1raron— MovunTaINn
Wircn, &c., Parrors—P arroquEts—Parrot Sourp—
Turtne— Brack Crass— Disaustina Haprrs —
SOLDIER CRABS—-GREGARIOUS—PECULIARITY OF—
Oysrers on TREEs— ALLIGATOR — Serious EFreEcrs
FROM Nerarors’ Trern,
Tur greatest delicacy in the mountains is the ring-
tail pigeon. At one season it becomes go heavy
and lazy, that if a flock be discovered feeding, a
a dozen may be shot in succession, from the same
tree; and falling from any height, they will split
up the breast from the weight of fat. Large blue
pigeons are in great abundance; and may be seen
rising from a crop of guinea corn in flocks of many
thousands. Another pigeon called the bald-pate,
from having white feathers on the crown of its
head, is less frequently seen in the mountains, but
plentiful in the lowlands. Several smaller birds
abound in the woods; such as red partridge,
mountain witch, turtle dove, small ground dove
c
18 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
and quails. Green parrots, black bill and yellow
bill; with paroquets innumerable. I know nothing
more disagreeable than to have a flock of either
fly over one’s head, uttering their discordant and
deafening screams. The overseers and _ book-
keepers do not despise them for food. Their
disgusting heads and feet are removed, and they
are commonly stewed. I have partaken of many
a mountain dinner, the principal dish of which was
parrot soup. ‘This refers however, to small coffee
plantations, having no pasturage. Beefand mutton
of superior quality were plentiful.
The towns on the sea coast abound in the real
West Indian delicacies. Not to mention a great
variety of excellent fish, a turtle steak is not only
delicious, but wholesome food; I think most persons
would prefer it to turtle dressed in the London
fashion.
The black crab is in great request; but its whole-
someness may be questioned. It is too rich, and
its habits are filthy and disgusting. It burrows
in the earth. The border of a morass where
these crabs abound, resembles a rabbit warren;
except that the holes are smaller than those made
by rabbits. Whenever a negro brought a basket
of these for sale, much as they were prized, few
persons would purchase them, without questionizg
the seller as to where they had been caught ; if it
was suspected they came from the church yard, or
llow
hing
ither
, and
ook-
Their
they
nany
1 was
soffee
utton
2 real
great
only
sons
pyndon
‘hole-
, and
rrows
vhere
rren;
made
asket
, few
Ong
if it
d, or
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 19
the neighbourhood of the hospital, they were
generally refused. No exception could be made
to the little “soldiers,” or small land crabs, whose
bodies were encased in a shell, the largest not
exceeding the size of a common walnut. The
head and claws protrude, which they draw under
cover when alarmed, and remain motionless. It
was surprising to watch the quickness of their
movements. Gregarious, and dwelling at a distance
from the sea, at a certain season they were met
with in large shoals, travelling towards the coast
to deposit their eggs. On such occasions, when
crossing a road, or any open space, they might be
swept up in hundreds. One peculiarity attached
to them was, that they allowed no impediment to
turn their line of march. The whole phalanx
would walk up one side of a hov« and down the
other, if it came in their way.
When boiled they were readily .rawn out from
their shell, like periwinkles; and were excellent
and wholesome eating. All who delighted i
‘““nepper pot,” rejoiced in a plentiful harvest o.
“* soldiers.”
Speaking of the oysters of Jamaica, I once
astonished an old lady by asserting that they grew
on trees. ‘The fact is, that mangrove bushes,
which flourish on the coast, throw their roots to
some distance into the sea; a small kind of oyster
of a muscle shape, is found with it’s lower shell
c 2
20 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
firmly embedded in the bark. The wood is cut
into pieces of various lengths, and brought to
market thus thickly studded. The upper shells
are removed, and the oysters turned out into a
basin. They are justly considered a great delicacy.
The alligator is found in some of the rivers
near the sea, but more frequently in the quiet
waters of a morass, where they are scarcely dis-
tinguishable from floating logs of wood. They
are naturally voracious, and have been known to
attack negroes, and to carry off children left play-
ing or sleeping on the banks of a river, in which
their mothers were washing. Their depredations
however, were generally confined to the smaller
animals. Adog would, occasionally, be snapped
up whilst lapping at the water's edge.
An uncle of mine kept a young alligator between
five and six feet long, secured with a light chain
fastened to a leathern strap round his loins. In
this state of confinement he ate but little; and
would bask in the sun for hours together, with his
jaws widely distended. The lining of his mouth
resembled kid leather, of a greenish yellow, speck-
led with brown. The flies would collect in the
inside of it, as if for shade. When a considerable
number had assembled, he would close his mouth,
bring his formidable teeth into rapid contact two
or three times, and having swallowed the tiny prey,
open it again for the reception of another batch.
a ae? ee ae a oer a.
3 cut
it to
shells
ito a
cacy.
ivers
quiet
- dis-
Phey
n to
play-
rhich
tions
aller
pped
ween
pehain
In
and
1 his
outh
beck-
the
rable
buth,
two
rey,
tch.
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 21
His movements were very quick; on being touched
with a stick or cutlass, he would seize it with start-
ling fury.
An opinion generally prevailed that the bite of
a negro was very dangerous, if not deadly. Two
instances of serious injury from the teeth of blacks,
occurred in the parish ef Trelawney, calculated to
confirm that notion. A white man, by trade a
cooper, struck one of his slaves on the mouth; by
which, the skin on the knuckles of his right hand
was slightly broken. On the following day his
hand and arm were much swollen; the symptoms
became so alarming, that in less than a week he
submitted to amputation, in order to save his life.
The Honourable the Custos Rotulorum, (or
chairman of the Quarter Sessions) riding over his
estate, with a negro running by the side of his
horse, to open gates, perceived at a distance
a strange slave breaking his fence, and sent his
servant forward to seize him. The stranger shewed
signs of resistance. Mr. trotted briskly up,
dismounted, and made a blow at his head from
behind; the black man hastily turning, received it
on his mouth. The skin of two of Mr. g
fingers was slightly abraded, having come in con-
tact with the man’s teeth. Most serious symptoms
ensued ; amputation was proposed, as in the former
ease, but the patient refused to submit. He
suffered exceedingly for many months, during
22 Karly Recollections of Jamaica.
which time I frequently saw him engaged in his
magisterial duties, with his hand carefully rested
ona pillow. The two fingers, after repeated and
painful exfoliations, became immoveably bent; and
the hand was rendered nearly useless for the re-
mainder of his life.
Three years residence in the mountains, gave
me ample opportunity for witnessing the sufferings
inflicted by slavery ; of which, the reader may form
some idea, from the following narratives :—
SMART, THE COROMANTEE.
It would be desirable to give some account of
the tribe, or nation, to which the above-named
negro belonged, when traffickers in human blood
stole him from his home, consigned him to the fetid
hold of a slave ship, and ultimately landed him on
the shores of Jamaica—after he had witnessed the
sufferings and death of many countrymen and
friends, whose less enduring frames sank under the
fatal ravages of disease, or yielded to the madden-
ing influence of despair. Incapacity and ignorance
shew themselves on the very threshold of the un-
dertaking ; but, thanks to the Encyclopedia, I am
able to find that there are Great and Little Coro-
mantyn. To one of these Smart originally be-
longed; and, as they are said to be but four miles
asunder, it can matter little to which he be appro-
priated. They are situated in the kingdom of
his
sted
and
and
e re-
gave
rings
form
t of
umed
blood
fetid
mM on
d the
and
r the
Iden-
rance
> un-
Tam
Coro-
r be-
miles
ppro-
m of
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 23
Fentyn, two miles from the port of Anama joe, on
the Gold coast.
“The Coromantyn negroes are distinguished
from all others by firmness both of body and
mind; a ferociousness of disposition, and at the
same time, activity, courage, and a kind of stub-
bornness which prompts them to enterprizes of
difficulty and danger, and enables them to meet
death in its most dreadful forms with fortitude
and indifference. Many of them had been slaves
in Africa, and others had been engaged in perpetual
hostility with one another. They were, therefore,
prepared for endeavouring, even by means the most
desperate, to regain the freedom of which they had
been deprived; accordingly, they have been dis-
posed to excite or to encourage rebellion. This
was the case in Jamaica, in the year 1760. The
firmness, and intrepidity, and contempt of death
which are distinguished in adults, are visible even
in boys at the age of ten years.”
Smart was the only Coromantee on the estate
where I resided for two or three years. The cir-
cumstances which introduced him to the gang were
somewhat singular, and must not be passed by un-
mentioned.
* Edwards’ West Indies, [The Importation of a Coro-
mantee slave above fourteen was, in consequence, prohi-
bited.—Epiror.]
24 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
The proprietor was periodically called to Spanish
Town, by the meeting of the House of Assembly.
On one of these occasions, whilst smoking his cigar
under the piazza in front of a lodging house, and
gazing on a concourse of people whom an auction
of slaves had attracted to the spot, his attention
was arrested by the cautious approach of a negro,
who had for some time been scanning him with
peculiar earnestness, but with an air of hesitation
and embarrassment. A few moments passed, when
the African, as if with an effort of despair, rushing
into the piazza, threw himself on his knees, clasped
his hands, and, with an imploring expression, said,
‘* Massa, me for sell; buy me!” ‘ Why do you
wish me to buy you” asked the astonished planter.
“‘ Massa, me lub you face ; me wantee you for buy
me; me be good nigger to massa.” ‘I have ne-
groes enough; I do not want any more. Besides,
I live in the mountains, and you have probably
been accustomed to the lowlands. You would not
suit me.” ‘‘ My sweet massa, me beg you for buy
me; me sabby carpenter, me sabby mason, me
sabby plenty ting. If massa buy me, me worrok
hard for massa.” ‘“ What is your name?” “Me
name Smart, Massa.” ‘“ Well, Smart, if I should
buy you, and you behave yourself well, you will
be treated kindly; but if you are idle or thievish
you will be sure to get ‘fum fum.””?
> Negro term for flogging.
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 25
The extraordinary predilection of the negro
ended in his being purchased and sent, forthwith,
into the mountains.
For some time, Smart conducted himself to the
satisfaction of his master; and was found to have
given no false estimate of his valuable acquire-
ments. But, alas, his honesty was not proof
against the temptation which assailed him, in the
shape of Indian corn, growing on a neighbouring
estate ; and which was nearly ready for ‘breaking
in,” as it was termed, in Jamaica parlance. One
brilliant moonlight night, such as cannot be con-
ceived by those who have never visited the tropics,
he sallied forth, with cutlass and basket, deter-
mined to appropriate to his own use, a portion of
the inviting crop.
It was necessary to place a watchman wherever
provisions were planted. Cocoas, yams, plantains,
sweet potatoes, cassava, corn, &c., were all vigi-
lantly guarded, as they approached to maturity ;
or the quantity would be seriously diminished by
the invasions of your own, or your neighbours’ peo-
ple; not to mention the runaways who infested
the woods. The watchman here, was on the
alert ; and Smart, retreating with his ill-gotten
booty, was attacked, vanquished, and brought home
a prisoner in handcuffs.
For mutual convenience and protection, as well
as to avoid loss of labour and expense, it was cus-
26 Karly Recollections of Jamaica.
tomary, to send a slave caught in any felonious act,
to his master, with proofs of his delinquency ; who
was in honour bound to cause summary and severe
punishment to be inflicted.
The unhappy culprit’s case was, therefore, hope-
less. He was laid down (i. ¢., with his face towards
the ground, his arms and legs being stretched out
and held by four stout fellows; or fastened firmly
by ropes to four pegs) whilst the driver adminis-
tered with his brutal whip, lash after lash, with
deafening crack, until ordered to desist.
The slave laws prescribed thirty-nine lashes, as
the maximum, for any offence. I never knew so
moderate a chastisement awarded by an overseer,
where there was cause for any punishment at all.
The slave was at the white man’s mercy; who
could torture to his heart’s content, (if he were so
disposed,) with perfect impunity, so long as negro
evidence, on oath, was not admitted. The miser-
able victim was released, arose slowly from the
ground, and was led away groaning in agony—a
great portion of his flesh cut toa jelly, and stream-
ing with blood.
What Mr. Edwards, in the afore-cited passage
has called “a kind of stubbornness,” (I suppose)
caused him to crawl about, for several weeks, in
gloomy silence; scarcely holding intercourse with
his fellows. He waited until his wounds were
healed, and his limbs restored to comparative
; act,
who
avere
10pe-
vards
d out
irmly
ninis-
with
es, as
W SO
rseer,
it all.
who
re SO
negro
niser-
n the
ny—a
ream-
ssage
pose)
ks, in
> with
were
rative
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 27
vigour; and then he fled to the woods; living on
the produce of midnight plunder, and the occasional
aid of his countrymen.
No trace of him could be found ; and, for a con-
siderable period, perhaps more than a year, he was
never heard of.
CHAPTER IV.
Staves BranpED— ADVERTISEMENT OF A RUNAWAY—
SMART BROUGHT Homer — Promises AMENDMENT —
REPEATS THE OFFENCE — AGAIN PUNISHED — Runs
Away— UnexrectepD Recontre—‘“ Nyoune Mas-
sa” IN JEOPARDY — PROVIDENTIAL EscaPE — INKLE
THE Congo — PopuLation oF Conao wHeEN Dis-
COVERED BY THE PortTUGUESE—DEscRIPTION oF IN-
KLE—HILED TeEetH—Awrut Deatn From LiGgut-
NING—INKLES Dexigut In Rat-Eatinc — METHOD
OF CATCHING AND CooKkING THEM—Runs Away—
Suspicious Rerporr — Arpuous Expepirion — Sus-
PECT A TRAP.
Ir rarely happened that the slaves betrayed the
confidence of a runaway, except he were base
enough to rob their provision grounds, or insult
their women; in either of these cases protection
was withdrawn, and often, information given
which led to his capture.
If a white man, proprietor, overseer, or book-
keeper, chanced to meet a strange negro who was
unable to give a satisfactory account of himself,
he generally caused him to be taken to the near-
Karly Recollections of Jamaica. 29
est town; where he was placed in custody of the
supervisor of the workhouse, whose duty it be-
came to examine his marks,° ascertain to whom he
belonged, and advertise him in the Gazette, in
order that he might be reclaimed on payment of
the workhouse charges.
Smart’s master, on taking up the paper which a
neighbour had sent him, read as follows :—
** CLARENDON WORKHOUSE.
* June 1809.—List of Runaways.—Smart, a Coro-
mantee, bears traces of severe floggings—marked
on right shoulder A. B.—says he belongs to
A. B., Esq., of . N.B. If not reclaimed by
(naming a certain date), will be sold to defray
the workhouse expenses. (Signed) J. B., Super-
visor.
A trusty messenger was, accordingly, dispatched to
bring the offender home, where, in due time, he
arrived. On coming once more into his master’s
presence, he no doubt expected to hear the order
given for his immediate punishment. From this
he was happily spared. The handcuffs were re-
moved, and, after a serious lecture, and many pro-
mises on his part, of future good behaviour, he was
disinissed to the negro houses. The following
morning he resumed his hoe, and was not dis-
covered in any malpractices for many months.
“ Most slaves were branded with their owners’ initials—
with a silver brand dipved in burning spirits.
a SE Sa SS a es —— ne
30 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
But, his dishonest habits were inveterate. Again
did he attempt to plunder provisions from a neigh-
bour’s grounds ; again was he brought home, with
convincing proofs of his guilt; and again did he
undergo the inevitable and dreadful penalty. As
on the former occasion, so on this, he remained
until his stripes were healed, and then “ pulled
foot,” as the negroes termed it, and once more took
refuge in the woods. Nothing was heard of him
for a long period.
His master, who was slowly recovering from a
severe illness, had suddenly expressed a strong de-
sire for agrilled pigeon. I was promptly informed
of his wish, and was requested to try my skill in
procuring one. On examining the stock of ammu-
nition, to my dismay, no shot could be found. The
case was urgent, and the difficulty appeared to be
insuperable. Anxiously searching for some sub-
stitute, I stumbled upon a leaden plummet ; this I
cut into small slugs, sufficient for a charge, with
which I loaded my gun. Putting the powder horn
into my pocket I sallied forth, determined not to
throw away my fire on any flying bird that might
cross my path, but to look out for a sitting shot.
Having crossed the open space of pasture in
which the house stood, my way led, by a winding
path, through the centre of a narrow valley, about
a hundred yards broad. Many years before it had
been cleared of wood and cultivated; but had
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 31
igh: been long thrown up, and was now a thick jungle,”
seh interlaced with parasites of various kinds, which
ace in many places formed a barrier impenetrable to
ae man or beast. On either side of the vailey, at the
ee | distance of fifty yards from the path I trod, the
alled ground rose abruptly, forming here and there a
bale natural wall of rugged limestone rock. The sur-
Res face, for many hundred yards around, so bare of
soil, that it would have been difficult to collect a
Basie hatful of mould over the whole space, was, never-
9 de- theless, covered with trees of the largest growth.
ee Here flourished, side by side, the stately mahogany,
1 in the graceful cedar, the fragrant rosewood, the bril-
bates liant fustic, the impenetrable bully tree, and the
~The gigantic cotton; with others of inferior note. Here
fake and there, on the borders of the wood, might be
a seen one, which having fulfilled its allotted time,
this I void of leaf or bark, and blanched by many years of
with rain and sun, stretched its huge fantastic limbs on
haa either side, and seemed to proclaim to its fellows,
pest that { «y too must one day die !
mek My seart palpitated with delight, on suddenly
hot. behold: ya blue pigeon perch on the topmost
sea branch of one of these dead trees. He was
nding quite out of the reach of shot from where I stood,
aie and there was little chance of being able to
‘t had creep, unnoticed, sufficiently near to warrant a hope
“had of securing the prize. The chance, however, might
not be thrown away, as the day was declining: I,
32 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
therefore, crept cautiously along; and on arriving
to within a killing distance, I rejoiced on peeping
through the underwood which covered my ap-
proach, to behold him stillat rest. Carefully exa-
mining the priming, and pressing the trigger, to
prevent the click of the lock, I cocked my gun,
took a steady aim at the bird, and fired—with
what effect I could not ascertain; for, at the same
instant, aloud rustling sound, with violent shaking
of the bushes on my left, startled me out of my
propriety. ‘Turning quickly round, half expecting
the rush of a wild boar, I beheld, within five or six
paces from me, with a wallet at his back, a sharp
bill hook in one hand, and a shining cutlass in the
other, the runaway Coromantee, Smart.
He had evidently been taking his siesta on a
bed of leaves——the report of my gun so close to the
spot had rudely disturbed his dreams of roasted
yam and pepperpot; and, probably, in the confusion
of so sudden an alarm, knowing that many white
men would shoot him like a crow, he might have
thought the fire had him for its object.
Providence had placed between us a fretwork of
tangled vines. He spake not a word; but, rushing
towards me, began to cut most furiously at them,
as it was evident, with no very amiable designs
against my person; a few seconds would decide
my fate. It pleased God, in great mercy, to en-
due me with perfect self-possession; without which
I had certainly been killed.
iving
eping
y ap-
exa-
pr, to
gun,
with
same
aking
f my
cting
Dr SIX
sharp
n the
on a
o the
asted
usion
vhite
have
rk of
hing
hem,
signs
acide
) en-
hich
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 33
I saw and felt the danger of my position: no
human being but ourselves was within a mile of
the spot. I knew that the slightest irresolution
would seal my doom. I therefore boldly ad-
vanced, called upon him to stand, or I would
shoot him; and, with my empty gun, pressed vi-
gorously against the barrier between us, as if I
were as anxious to remove it as himself. When
close enough for the point of his weapon to have
reached me, the negro quailed, retreated a few
paces, cast upon me a look of defiance, hesitated
for a moment, and then moved off with a quicker
tread, in spite of peremptory orders to wait for
me.
Never did a more grateful sound salute my ear,
than the crackling of the dry wood and leaves on
which he trod in his flight. It grew fainter and
fainter as he increased the distance; and when I
concluded him to be too fur off to observe my mo-
tions, I crept through the jungle, regained the
footpath, loaded my gun with powder (not feeling
sure that he would not renew the attack), and
erying, “‘sauve qui petit,” ran bravely home at
my topmost speed.
I was greeted with, “ Well, where’s the bird 2”
Having thrown myself into a chair, and taken
two or three deep inspirations to recover my
breath, I replied, “*O, do not ask for the bird; I
believe I shot one, but I cannot tell where it is;
D
34 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
and I assure you I do not intend to look for it.
Thank God that you have got me back again,
with a head on my shoulders !”
What further became of Smart, I never knew.
TI remained on the island about two years after
this adventure, but heard no tidings of him. He
might have been killed in one of his marauding
expeditions, or in a fit of jealousy. He might
have died in the woods of disease, or starvation ;
for negroes have died thus in Jamaica, as did
poor
INKLE THE CONGO.
Congo, or Kongo Proper, is a kingdom in Africa,
bounded on the north by the famous river Zair,
‘“‘or the river of Congo, which divides it from that
of Loango on that side; on the south from that
of Dando, which separates it from the kingdom of
Angola; on the east from the kingdom of Fu-
gono and Metamba, and the burnt mountains of
the sun, those of crystal, or saltpetre and silver,
and by the rivers Verbela and Chilandra; and on
the west by the Ethiopic Sea, called the Sea of
Congo. Its extent from north to south has not
been accurately ascertained.
“This country was discovered by the Portu-
guese, in the reign of King Jolin II., in the year
1484.
‘‘They found it for the most part covered with
towns and villages, swarming with inhabitants ;
or it.
gain,
new.
after
He
iding
a ight
tion ;
s did
frica,
Zair,
1 that
1 that
om of
f Fu-
ins of
silver,
nd on
ea of
S not
Portu-
> year
| with
‘ants ;
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 35
the cities being well filled with people, particu-
larly the metropolis, which contained 50,000 per-
sons. We may form some judgment of the popu-
lation of the country by this circumstance, viz. :
that the army of the King of Congo, in the year
1665, consisted of no less than 900,000 fighting
men. The traffic of the Congoese with the Euro-
peans consists chiefly in slaves, and St. Salvadore
is the principal mart of the country: 15,000 or
16,000 slaves were carried off annually.” *
Inkle had been purchased, with eight or ten
others of the Congo nation, out of a cargo direct
from the coast of Africa, a few years before I
became acquainted with him. His face exhibited
more than the usual share of negro peculiarities.
His eyes were larger, nose flatter, lips thicker,
and mouth wider than were commonly seen; and,
as if to complete the model of every thing most
hideous to behold, his set of large and regular
teeth had been filed inte triangular shapes, so that
the upper row fitted most accurately into that of
the under jaw; like two saws brought into close
contact; or rather (being, as hereafter will appear, a
more appropriate comparison), like the teeth of a
rat trap. From this attractive peculiarity, he was,
by some sagacious persons, supposed to have been
addicted to cannibal propensities. This I verily
4 Rees’ Cyclop. Congo.
p2
36 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
believe to be a libel. He was a mild, inoffensive,
and dull creature; somewhat addicted to dishonest
practices, (to which, I fear, the cravings of hunger
often impelled him,) and not over fond of work ;
but in palliation of his indolence it must in truth
be told, that he laboured under a serious bodily
infirmity, which disqualified him for much ex-
ertion. He was in consequence employed as watch-
man over a coco piece or yain ground, and was
required to make a basket or two each week.
In the performance of this easy task he often
failed, and was repeatedly threatened with punish-
ment, although I believe it was never inflicted.
I frequently visited his secluded hut ; and some-
times was glad to seek the shelter it afforded from
a storm of rain and thunder; taking especial care
on such occasions, to cast his bill hook, hoe, and
cutlass to a distance; lest the iron should draw
down destruction upon us, by attracting the elec-
tric fluid. Accidents from this source were of no
rare occurrence.
In one rainy season a relation of my own was,
with several other persons, waiting for dinner to
be served at a mountain residence, called “ Cab-
bage Tree Hall,” from an avenue of beautiful
mountain cabbage trees leading to the house; seve-
ral of which were also growing round it. The
thunder rolled at a distance, and torrents of rain
began to fall. Some one asked the host if the
was,
er to
Cab-
itiful
seve-
The
rain
the
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 37
house was provided with a conductor. ‘No, no,”
said he, “‘as long as those tall trees last I shall
need no other safeguard.” His favourite servant
soon afterwards entered the room, bearing a large
tureen of soup. Ere he could reach the table, an
overpowering flash of lightning, accompanied by
a stunning crash, struck him to the ground a life-
less corpse.
But, to return to Inkle. His larder did not
afford many delicacies; and yet, when the con-
tinuance of a storm detained me beyond the usual
hour of an early dinner, I have enjoyed a black
coco, or part of a roasted yam, at his expense, and
to his apparent gratification ; which latter was not
diminished, perhaps, by the certainty of having
such favors re‘urned in kind; for I blush not to
avow, that I carried to him many a salt shad or
herring, to season his vegetable diet. The most
pressing case of hunger never carried me so far
beyond the prejudices of civilized life, as to induce
me to partake of roasted rat, in which he de-
lighted. His method of catching and of cooking
this vermin deserve some notice. It were, per-
haps, more easy for me to make, than to describe
his simple but efficient trap. 1t consisted of a
small conical shaped basket; to which was fastened
in the wicker work outside (running from the apex
to the open mouth), a tough and elastic lance-
38 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
wood stick, three or four feet long; with a strong
twine, manufactured by himself from the bark of
a tree, attached to the further and smaller end.
In order to set the trap, the stick was bent into a
bow; a running noose being formed at the end of
the twine, and passed through an aperture, left in
the edge of the basket for the purpose. This
noose was carefully spread round the inner edge,
and concealed under the rim. Below the noose
a separate piece of twine was fixed, drawn through
the basket twice, so as to cross at right angles,
and firmly secured on the outside.
In order to reach the bait, which was deposited
at the apex, the rat must gnaw through these
cross strings. As soon as they gave way, the
elasticity of the bow suddenly and tightly drew
the noose, and the rat was strangled. These traps
were laid upon the ground, and seldom failed to
secure the prize, which was prepared for the table
in the following primitive manner :—
After carefully cleaning the inside, and cutting
off the tail, the body was impaled on a long wooden
skewer, turned briskly round over a fierce fire, until
the hair was completely burnt, scraped with a
sharp piece of wood, until free trom fur, and of a
rich toasty brown colour ; and, finally, the end of
the skewer was stuck into the ground, inclining
towards the fire; where it remained, sometimes
aah
rong’
k of
end.
ito a
nd of
ft in
This
edge,
noose
ough
gles,
sited
these
, the
drew
traps
ed to
table
itting
yoden
until
ith a
of a
nd of
ining
Limes
u
|
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 39
for hours, with an occasional change of position,
until it became quite dry and crisp, and thus ready
for the evening meal.
When I expressed surprise that he could eat
such food, Inkle would reply with a merry grin,
“Ki! nyoung massa, ratta sweet, hearree! If
nyoung massa nyam ratta one time, no more, him
nyam ratta ebery day, hearree !”
The French are right who say, ‘‘ Ce west que
le premier pas qui coxte.” But that “ premier
pas” in rat eating, I could never take.
Poor Inkle allowed his arrears in basket-making
to accumulate so heavily, that he could not fetch
up his ‘‘lee-way ;” added to which, he had neg-
lected his watch, and the provisions were seriously
invaded. Expecting every day a domiciliary visit
from the driver, he collected his darling rat traps,
tied up his sleeping mat, and retreated into the
woods.
Many months had rolled on, and an unusually
heavy and long continued season of rain was just
passing away, when two of Inkle’s countrymen
came to the house in a state of great excitement,
to say, that as they were a long way off in the
woods, collecting thatch, they stumbled upon a
hut, quite accidentally, (of course,) in which they
found Inkle’s bones.
It might be a false report, to prevent further en-
quiry after the runaway. Why had they not
40 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
brought the remains with them? They were too
much frightened, and dare not touch them. It
might be so; still the tale was doubted. They
besought me to accompany them to the spot; to
which I consented, not only as it was important
to ascertain the fact, but because I felt a deep in-
terest in the fate of the unhappy Congo.
I was enjoined to load my gun with slugs, to
keep the two athletic negroes in advance, not to
permit them to walk too close to me, and to
march them back to certain punishment, should
there be sufficient cause to suspect them of deceit.
Determined to act up to my instructions, we sal-
lied forth.
Having, for a tedious distance, followed a beaten
track, which was occasionally used as a bridle road
through the wood, my guides suddenly turned into
a thicker and totally unfrequented part. Pursuing
an irregular and tortuous course, for at least a
mile, over an uneven, rocky surface, covered with
underwood so thick as to oblige us to put the
bushes aside with the hand, in order to make any
progress, they appeared to be evidently at fault.
I began to feel dissatisfied ; and, more than half
suspecting a trap, I resolutely called a halt; told
them their tale was apparently a fiction; and or-
dered them to retrace their steps to answer for
their conduct.
3, to
t to
od to
ould
ceit.
sal-
aten
road
into
uing
st a
with
the
any
ault.
half
told
| or-
- for
CHAPTER V.
CoNFIDENCE Restor—ED—NeEGRo Metnop oF TRACKING A
Woop —Finp Poor InKire’s Bones — REMARKABLE
CoNFIRMATION OF THEIR IDENTITY—ORIGIN OF THE
Maroons— Cause oF Maroon War—Fate oF A
DETACHMENT oF TrRoops—* Cockpits”’—LiEvT.-Con.
Quart—Errecr oF Howitzers — CupJoE BROUGHT
to Terms—Scanpatous Breacu or Faitu—Rem-
NANT OF Maroons aT SrerrRA Leone, IN 1825—
BioopHounbs, with CuasseuRS, ImporTED FROM
Cusa—TuHe Doe * Butty’—Catcues a Runaway—
Toe WartrcuMan Attempts TO EscapE—OVERTAKEN
BY “Burtty”—Brutrat Treats oF W.— THEIR
AwFuLt Consequences —THE AGED WatcHMAN —
Vuttures — Finp rHeE Outp Sutave Deap IN HIS
Hur— ‘Ine Cuurcn Benis now GuaDDEN THE
SCENE OF THE CATASTROPHE.
Tuey entreated me to proceed a little further,
and a little further, until, losing all patience, I re-
fused to allow them to advance another step, un-
less they showed me the signs by which they
pretended to be guided.
42 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
They then pointed out, to my _ satisfaction,
twigs broken to the right hand, for some distance,
and others to the left; and recent marks, here and
there, on trees, which they had that morning
made, to direct them on their return.
Being thus re-assured, I consented to proceed.
A few minutes more brought us to the object of
our search.
The hut, almost in ruins, stood before us, on
the top of a gentle ascent; although many smaller
trees had been felled, and the brushwood cleared
for a considerable space around, the spot was quite
impervious to the sun—all was most gloomy soli-
tude; unbroken, except by the occasional croak of
toads, the discordant cries of various birds, and an
unearthly sound, to which my ear was well accus-
tomed, although I never was able to discover from
my own research, nor from the experience of the
negroes, from what bird or reptile it proceeded.
My two companions confessed, that without the
sanction of a “ buckra’s”’ presence, they dared not
to be there.
As we drew nearer, a melancholy scene pre-
sented itself—at several paces from the hut, were
scattered the disjointed bones of a human skele-
ton; each bone as bare and blanched as if it had
been prepared for some lecture on osteology. On
examining the skull, the filed teeth enabled me to
identify it as having once belonged to Inkle. But,
ne ten nt te re
9
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 43
in most striking confirmation of the fact, I dis-
covered amongst the bones, a small portion of his
Osnaburgh smock frock, quite perfect; on which
was marked in large letters, with silk, the name
of Inkle. It struck me at the time, as very strange
that scarcely another vestige of the garment could
be found undecayed, except this small piece. The
negroes were very proud of having their new clothes
thus marked; and one of our house servants had,
to gratify poor Inkle, worked his name in full on
this portion of his dress; which, alas, became his
winding sheet.
In the hut we found a small iron pot, in which
he cooked his food, some half dozen rat traps, and
ai: i “fnished basket. I saw all his bones carefully
col «:-'sd and wrapped in a mat, which the young
men had brought for the purpose. On our return,
we had considerable difficulty in finding the track.
They had the remains buried, as usual, at the foot
of a cotton tree, with the customary revels which
were observed by the slaves on such occasions.
There was no doubt that his comrades paid him
occasional visits, and ministered to his wants,
while they were able. From the condition of the
hut, his bed, and the perfect cleanness of the ske-
leton, it was evident that many weeks, at least,
had elapsed since his death. His own weak state
of health had prevented him from seeking help at
such a distance ; and the past state of the weather,
44 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
together with the coustant occupation of the slaves,
had rendered it difficult for his countrymen to
maintain very regular communication with the un-
happy recluse; who, it is horrid to think, had, pos-
sibly, died from actual starvation, as it were, in
the midst of plenty, of which the weakness of
disease rendered it impossible to avail himself.
Take another instance of suffering and death,
from
THE BLOODHOUND.
‘“ From circumstances recited in minute detail
by Mr. Bryan Edwards, (see Rees’ Encyclop.) it
appears that during the protectorate of Cromwell,
the Spaniards had been guilty of several aggressions
in the West Indies; and that the Protector in
seeking redress, manifested a regard to justice by
his moderation and temper. An appeal was at
length made to force; and a powerful armament
was equipped, which miscarried at Hispaniola, but
succeeded at Jamaica, which was captured by the
Kinglish forces in May, 1655.” For several suc-
ceeding years, the English were harassed by a
petty and vexatious warfare with large bodies of
blacks, who having escaped from the service of
their Spanish masters, had established themselves
in inaccessible localities, in the mountains. After
a serious destruction of property and the loss
of many lives, these Marvons, as they were called,
Early Recollections of Jamaica. AD
were brought to terms. Their freedom was gua-
ranteed, they were permitted to retain their arms,
and were furnished with ammunition; engaging
on their parts, to aid in repelling foreign invaders
or in quelling rebellious slaves, and to scour the
woods in quest of runaways, on whose capture
they were to receive a certain reward.
They amounted at that time to about 1500, but
were divided, under different leaders, into two
bands, distinguished by the names of the districts
in which they dwelt; viz., Accompong Town Ma-
roons, and Trelawny Maroons. Land was appro-
priated for their use, in their respective localities.
A code of laws was drawn up for their internal
government, according to which, and by a jury of
their fellows, culprits were to be Judged and pu-
nished ; subject, however, to the advice and di-
rection of a British officer appointed to reside
amongst them, under the title of “ Superintendent
of Maroons.”
During the government of the Earl of Balcarras,
a Trelawny Maroon on a visit to the town of Mon-
tego Bay, was charged with theft, convicted: by a
magistrate, and sentenced to receive thirty-nine
lashes. In vain did he assert his privilege to be
tried by the Maroon code. The punishment was
most illegally inflicted; accompanied, I believe, by
many indignities at which his proud spirit revolted.”
b Tread Dallas’s ** Maroon War,” a most faithful and inter-
46 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
Boiling with rage, he returned to the Maroon
town, loudly protested his innocence of the im-
puted crime, detailed the humiliating treatment to
which he had been exposed, and exhibiting his
bleeding body, appealed to his friends for ven-
geance on the aggressors. Old Cudjoe, their
leader, called a solemn meeting; at which it was
hastily resolved to dismiss the superintendent with-
out loss of time, with a message of defiance to the
whites; and to take immediate measures for re-
venging this glaring act of cruelty and breach of
faith. That very night several estates were totally
destroyed, large tracts of sugar cane given to de-
vouring flames, and every European in their way
was murdered with savage barbarity. Before the
dawn of day they had retired to their fastnesses in
the mountains. The nature of the ground was
most favourable to this predatory mode of warfare;
affording perfect security to their retreat, which
was unapproachable by regular troops, but easy of
access to their practised feet. Mr. Dallas gives, I
recollect, a very graphic and affecting description
of the fate of one detachment of regular troops,
which had the temerity to follow the Maroons into
the woods. <A withering volley was the first indi-
cation of the enemy’s presence ; in vain did the
soldiers return the fire, having only trees in sight.
esting work, many years ago ; and qu. ° his account to the best
of my recollection.
EET TIT LON EF I ETS “ANNE T UTE OR eeRreTEeT --
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 47
The regular and rapid clicking of the black men’s
guns gave startling warning of each successive fire ;
until most, if not all of the party, were sacrificed
to their vengeance. For several months the mili-
tary and militia of the island were unable to gain
any advantage over this small, but resolute body
of rebels. Thetop of the mountain was singularly
formed. It consisted of a succession of dells or
cockpits, as t! v . re called. These were con-
nected by a narrow intervening .idge, which led
from one dell to another; each cockpit could be
entered only in single file, in many places by a
steep and rugged path; or by stepping from rock
to rock, while one hand firmly grasped the sur-
rounding bush, to guard against the serious or
fatal effects which would inevitably result from
a false step. A Lieutenant-Colonel Quarl being
appointed to command the troops engaged in
this arduous and dangerous expedition, suc-
ceeded in bringing some small howitzers to the
summit of the ridge; from which, shells were
thrown into the first cockpit. The Maroons never
having seen anything of the kind before, were
amazed and terriffed at beholding huge balls de
scend, harmless at first, but after a few short
bounds, exploding with murderous effect. Mr.
Dallas gives an amusing account of old Cudjoe’s
description of his own feelings on the subject.
By this unexpected, and to them, inexplicable ma-
48 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
neuvre, they were driven from dell to dell; until
Cudjoe became disposed to listen to reason, and
finally acceded to the terms offered to him by
Col. Quarl; who appears to have be.n humane and
honourable, as he was brave and skilful. One of
the stipulations insisted on by the Maroons, and
granted by Col. Quarl, (who was ‘nvested with
full powers to act according to his judgment,) was,
that they should not be expatriated. In defiance
of this solemn engagement, the poor Maroons
(under pretence that it was necessary they should
surrender to the Governor in person, and publicly
renew their oath of allegiance) were marched to
Spanish town, there surrounded by a hollow square
of troops, and treacherously shipped off to the un-
congenial clime of Nova Scotia! Mr. Dallas (from
an imperfect recollection of whose int esting work
I am able to give these particulars) relates that
the Colonel feeling his own honour thus compro-
mised, after a spirited remonstrance, retired from
the service. Shortly after the Maroons reached
Halifax, the winter commenced; and as might
have been expected, the intense severity of this
frosty region fearfully reduced their numbers.
Humanity shuddered at the sufferings of the scanty
remnant, and determined the Government, in pity
to send them to Sierra Leone. Here they found a
more congenial climate, but very inferior to the
pure and refreshing breezes of Maroon Town,
ee
ct
o<
at — nn as
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 49
and the cool shades of their Jamaica woods. A
young friend of mine, about 1825, was in a vessel
which touched at Sierra Leone; and on my asking
what had become of the Maroons, told me that
several were then alive, and that some of advanced
age still delighted to speak of Trelawney, and the
mountains they had left with so much regret.
But it is time to ask what has all this to do with
a blood-hound, of which we expected to hear some
tidings?
In the height of the Maroon war, the planters
began to be most seriously alarmed. The military,
both regulars and militia, seemed to march to cer-
tain destruction. Several officers of both bodies had
fallen in the struggle; but few of the enemy were
killed, and they seeemed to gain confidence, and to
improve in discipline every day. Desperate diseases
Justify the use of desperate remedies. So thought
the House of Assembly, where it was proposed and
carried in debate, to send to Cuba for some Spanish
blood-hounds. Several of these arrived, attended
by native Chasseurs, a short time before Cudjoe had
capitulated; so that most fortunately, they were
never brought into action. These dogs were noble
looking creatures; and, as it was supposed they
might be used to great advantage in tracking run-
aways, many persons obtained the breed, and prized
them very highly. A neighbour of ours had a
couple. The dog was the perfection of the canine
E
50 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
race; his name was Bully. His master never had
a slave abscond. They knew, too well, that the
dog would be laid on the scent and speedily over-
take them. A neighbouring overseer came in haste
one day to request the services of Bully to track a
negro, who had thrown down his hoe and rushed
into the woods to escape punishment. Mr. W.
accompanied his dog to the spot; caused him to
scent some garment which the absentee had recently
worn; and away they went on the chase. The dog
was closely followed for a considerable distance,
until, the scent growing very hot, he could no
longer be kept insight. The party advanced, and
in a short time heard the animal barking furiously
a long way off. W. said, “he has got him safe;
but the man is where he cannot reach him, or he
would not bark,” and true it was; for, when the
party came to the spot, the unfortunate negro was
up a tree, which he had hastily climbed, just in
time to avoid being seized. The poor delinquent
was compelled to descend, marched home, and
was, no doubt, severely flogged. Another of
Bully’s feats, for the truth of which I can answer,
had a more tragical result. W. was about to ride
with a friend to a distance of eight or nine miles,
where they were engaged to dine. When the
horses were brought out, the dog testified great de-
light at the prospect of accompanying his master ;
this was not approved of, and peremptory orders
EF aD I TT IN SE RST ares epee
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 51
were given to have him shut up and kept in con-
finement for an hour at least. Having accom-
plished the journey, and nearly dispatched their
dinner, W., stretching a rather lengthy pair of legs
exclaimed to his host,—“*1 thought you did not
keep a dog.” “Neither do I,” was the reply.
* At all events,” said W., “there is a dog under
your table.” Bully had escaped from custody,
travelled nine miles, entered the room unobserved
by any of the guests, and quietly laid himself at
his master’s feet. The evening advanced, coffee
was served, and the party broke up. W. and
iis friend remounted their horses, and wended
their way homewards, by the refulgent light of a
tropical full moon, forgetting that the faithful dog
was with them. As their ride drew near its ter-
mination, the road ran along the side of a hill,
through a piece of young coffee, belonging to W.
On their left, between the rows of coffee trees, was
a rich crop of Indian corn, which was to be ga-
thered in a day or two. Among this, and but a
few paces distant, could be clearly seen the watch-
man’s hut. “Stop,” said W.; “hold my horse a
moment, while I climb the bank and see what that
fellow is about ; for my corn is ripe, and I suspect
him.” When he reached the hut he was heard to
exclaim,—“ You rascal! this is the way you
watch my corn.” He found the guardian of the
crop stripped perfectly naked, with three baskets
E 2
52 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
full of the best corn, ready packed for carrying off.
Directing his friend to lead the horses on to the
end of the coffee piece, where it was easier to re-
gain the road, he seized the miserable negro by
if the wrist, and compelled him to move forward.
They had gone but a few paces, when, by a sud-
den jerk, he freed himself from his master’s grasp,
and fled with the utmost speed. In vain did W.,
threaten and call upon the fugitive to stop. Bully
had been an unnoticed and silent observer of the
scene ; hearing his master’s angry tone, he rushed
past him, in a few seconds overtook the flying
| negro, and Jeaping at his neck brought him to the
Hi ground, without inflicting the slightest wound, and
ae EE
ne
i stood growling over him until W. came up. Then
l)) was heard the ery of ‘“ Well done !—good dog!”
| The prostrate watchman was desired to rise, a
Hy large silk handkerchief was put round his neck,
and W., twisting it as tightly as he could without
producing strangulation, held the ends in his
powerful right hand, Again they moved on a
few paces when, strange as it may appear, the
African, bya sudden application of his hands, ma-
naged to slip his head out of the noose, and again
took flight. It was a vain endeavour to escape.
The watchful Bully was once more at his heels, and
brought him down. The fury of the “ Buckra” ¢
¢ White man,
arly Liecollections of Jamaica. 53
was beyond all bounds, and the oaths he used most
fearful and profane. He ordered the black man
to lie still on his faee, until, with a handkerchief
twisted like a rope, his hands were firmly tied
behind his back; then desiring him to rise, he
took a large pruning knife from his pocket, opened
it, and, bidding the slave to look at it, said, “ Do
you see this, you rasca'? If you attempt to run
away again I will cut your throat!” The terrified
negro quietly submitted to his fate. That uight
he was securely fastened with handeuffs and bib-
boes, and told to expect a severe flogging in the
morning. A few months after this ocevrrence, I
was walking with W. in the piazza of his house,
and observing the emaciated skeleton of a man
passing by, with no other clothing than a blanket
thrown across his shoulders, I enquired who he
was, and what was the cause of his miserable
state. Inreply to my questions, W. told me what
IT now relate. IJ asked again, “ Did you flog him
as youthreatened’” ‘“ No,” said he; “ I had him
brought to the field, as if for punishment, and
there, in consideration of his inexperience, and
former good conduct, I forgave him, «nd bade him
take his hoe and work with the rest. A vacant
idiotic smile was all the reply he made: reason
had left her throne; and he had been hourly
wasting away ever since. A few days after I saw
him his countrymen were feasting and dancing
54. harly Recollections of Jamaica.
round. his grave, to the odious sound of the Gum
bay."
In addition to the melancholy details re-
corded in these stories, I remember having occa-
sion to visit an aged watchman, who had the
charge of a distant provision ground. He could
not tell his age: but on referring to the names of
former masters under whom he had served, it was
clear that he had lived in bondage for nearly a
century.
His services were still available for making
baskets and keeping watch: at his unusual age,
when nature needed every support and comfort, he
was thus employed, for many years.
I frequently conversed with him, although (it
might be from having lived so long in solitude)
his broken English was scarcely intelligible, even
to one who, like myself, was tolerably well versed
in negro dialect.
I asked him once, if it would make him happy
to return to his own country. He shook his head,
and replied, no—that he had been taken in war
and sold to the slave dealers when he was quite a
‘*pick-a-ninny ”’—all his friends must be dead long
ago,—and that if any were alive, they could not
recognise in the aged and infirm old man, the once
gay and happy child, and they would surely kill
© A rude drum, made by stretching a sheepskin over a square
box, and beat with the hands.
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 55
him. Besides which, he could not talk to his
countrymen, for he had forgotten their language.
His general health was good; and he possessed,
for one of his years, a considerable degree of
strength; but, as was commonly the case with aged
negroes, his feet were very tender, which made it
painful and difficult for him to walk, even at the
slowest pace, and with the aid of a long staff.
Nevertheless, he would manage, at long intervals,
to crawl to the “Buckra-house,” to beg a little
rum, or salt fish. to season his vegetable diet;
which, necessarily, consisted of yams, cocos, plan-
tains, &c., occasionally relieved by a rat or parrot.
When I came within sight of his hut, though
still at a considerable dista. .e from it, I observed —
a numerous flock of vultures high in the air, follow-
ing each other with a circular movement, on easy
wing, immediately over the spot.
By this token I knew that some animal must be
lying dead in the immediate neighbourhood; and
that these birds were collecting together to feast
upon the carcass, whenever their keen olfactories
should intimate that the process of decomposition
had sufficiently advanced, to suit their taste.
I hastened on to consult with the old negro on
the subject; and I expected, with his assistance,
to discover where the carrion could be. When I
had arrived sufficiently near to be distinctly heard,
I repeatedly called aloud; but received no answer.
aan SII
i
i |
SS Se SE ER ae
56 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
Concluding that he was absent for the purpose of
collecting materials for his basket making, I had
nearly passed the hut without further observation.
The motions of the vultures, so immediately over
the place, excited a horrible suspicion in my mind.
I looked in, and saw the poor old negro lying dead
upon the ground.
It appeared to me, that some inward cramp had
seized him in the night; during the agony from
which, he had rolled off the plank on which he
slept, and instantly expired.
He was lying on his side, with hands clenched,
and knees drawn up to his chin; his legs were on
the ashes, where a fire had evidently been burning
when he fell into that position; for the flesh on one
leg was partially consumed, and was covered with
an innumerable host of ants.
Having gazed at the body for several minutes, lost
in the sad reflections to which the scene gave rise,
I returned home at a quick pace; turning my head
occasionally to watch the motions of the hungry
birds, and fearing lest they should suddenly descend
and mutilate the body, before any one could be
sent to remove it. T returned with two or three
men, who wrapped it in a large mat, and carried
it to the Negro-houses. That evening the remains
were buried at the foot of a cotton tree, and the
slaves feasted and danced round the grave nearly
all night.
n °
SE cn en ee i ee
Karly Recollections of Jamaica. 57
The old man often told me that when he died he
should go back to his own country. I deeply
regret, that in those days of youthful levity and
utter ignoran:e of religion, I made no attempt to
point out the way to “‘a better, that is a heavenly.”
Nothing has afforded me more gratification, than
to learn that a capacious church now stands within
a few hundred yards of the spot where I found his
body. The Sabbath-bells now call to the house of
prayer those who but thirty years ago, were con-
strained to labour on this day, in their own provision
grounds. Schools are now numerously attended.
Reverence for the holy name and attributes of God,
is inculeated amongst those, whose fathers never
heard the sacred name pronounced, but coupled
with impious curses and threats of punishment ;—
and they are taught to look to a crucified Re-
deemer, for deliverance from worse than Egyptian
bondage here, and for eternal glory hereafter !
** A Briton knows—or, if he knows it not,
The Scripture placed within his reach, he ought—
That souls have no discriminating hue,
Alike important in their Maker's view ;
That none are free from blemish since the fall ;
And love divine has paid one price for all.”
Cowvenr.
eine
——
- nes
a ree
Sorensen
= ——— ae
CHAPTER VI.
Wiitp Duck SnHootinc—Errects or Miasma—FEvER—
UNTIMELY JokES—BittTER Woop Bark—Coup AF-
FUSION—IGNORANCE OF AN OVERSEER— WORKHOUSE
Gane — Cruet Trick or a Necro Boy — Leave
JAMAICA—STEERAGE Passencer—THue Mate—Tue
Convoy—CayMANAas—BaRtER For TURTLE.
Havine left the mountains I resided for more than
a year ina large town on the north side of the
Island; near to which, along the sea coast, and a
few hundred yards in shore, lay a large extent of
Morass. From it’s stagnant pools unwholesome
miasma was exhaled in fatal abundance; not-
withstanding which, it was the custom to assemble
round them in the wild-duck season, with guns of
various calibre and condition.
My shooting propensities induced me to join,
once too often, in the sport. The plan adopted
was to range ourselves in an irregular line, midway
between the sea and the ponds, keeping a good
look out to windward. A flight of ducks would
§ ws
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 59
every now and then be seen, making directly to the
spot. As the weary birds passed over the formi-
dable rank, they were received with a “ feu de joie,”
which killed or crippled several. A single bird
had been successively missed by two of my friends;
I exultingly fired and bre ight him down. He fell
into the swamp. Eager to secure the prize, I
foolishly waded up to my knees in a mixture of
salt and fresh water with slimy mud. Success
induced me to wait for the next expected arrival ;
until feeling strangely cold and out of sorts, I
carried home my bird and changed my wet clothes.
Precaution came too late. About the middle of
the following day, my nails turned blue, my teeth
began to chatter, and I was fairly in for a fever at
last. These cold fits returned daily at the same
time, for a period of three months; and were
always succeeded by a burning fever of some hours
duration. Bark in bulk mixed ina glass of brandy,
was poured down my throat, with most obstinate
perseverance each day, as the colour of my nails
began to change; without any other effect than
to increase the violence of the succeeding fever. I
was reduced to a most wretched plight, and much
needed consolation; but I knew not how or where
to seek it. Before the usual hour at which these
dreaded symptoms recurred, I would stroll out
under the scorching beams of the sun; but was
often driven to take refuge on my bed, by the ill
60 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
timed jokes of some of my acquaintance; who,
referring to my haggard looks and tottering gait,
would coarsely allude to the probability of my sink-
ing under the attack. Such speeches would give a
momentary shock, although they by no means
impressed me with feelings suited to the apparent
danger of my state.
A good constitution, my youth, and naturally
buoyant spirits, by God’s great goodness, enabled
me to struggle throngh this fiery trial. Accepting
the offered hospitality of a friend, I resolved to try
a change of air; and took up my abode for several
weeks at a sugar estate, some ten miles off; ina
higher, and therefore a cooler climate. I had long
refused the revolting dose of brandy and bark.
My friendly host, finding that I made no progress
towards recovery, ordered a slave to go in search
of some fresh bark from the ‘bitter wood,”
(quassia.) I was directed to put a small strip of
this into a tumbler of cold spring water, overnight,
and to drink a large wine glass full of the infusion
in the morning. Having followed these directions
for about three days, to my great joy, the attack
was postponed for an hour later than usual, was
less violent and of shorter duration, and in a
week’s time I was happily relieved from all dread
of it’s return.
A very dear and valued friend was the physician
of the estate. In one of his visits I accompanied
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 61
him to the hospital; a large and commodious
building admirably adapted to the purpose, and
supplied with every requisite. My sympathy was
naturally excited by a slave, who, suffering from
an attack similar to my own, was shivering at the
time in all the horrors of the cold fit.
I heard my friend desire the overseer to watch
the accession of the hot stage on the following
day; and, when the fever was at it’s height, to
‘ause the patient to be placed in a large empty
tub and sluiced with a pail or two of cold water;
after which, to have him rubbed dry and replaced
in his bed. My friend had successfully applied
this ‘‘cold affusion” (recommended by Dr. Currie,
of Liverpool, in fevers) with great success, and he
wished to have it tried on this occasion.
The overseer was the most stupid and ignorant
of the Genus //omo I had ever met with. Being
anxious to witness the effect of this bold practice,.
I went to the hospital for the purpose ; and verily
believe was the means of saving the poor slave’s
life. The tub and two pails of water were in
readiness; a stout attendant under the direction
of the overseer, was assisting the sufferer to rise ;
who, with chattering teeth and shivering limbs,
desired to be left at rest. ‘What are you about?”
said I. “Iam going,” he replied, “to souse him
with cold water, as you heard the doctor order
me.” I thought it right to say, if you do so in his
62 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
present state, in all probability you will kill him!
I explained my friend’s directions, which he had
so grossly, and it might have been fatally, mis-
understood; and with difficulty prevented his
intention. At length, rubbing his hands together,
with a coarse laugh, he said, ‘‘ Well, I believe you
must be right; it is lucky for Quaco that you came;
for in a few moments more I should have given
him a precious ducking.”
Having recovered my health, I returned to the
town. Even there the deafening sounds of punish-
ment would assail my ears, followed by the cries
of tortured negroes. The workhouse gang loaded
with irons, were constantly to be met with, sweep-
ing the streets, closely attended by a driver and
his whip.
If a domestic displeased his master, he was sent
with a note to the supervisor; who, without any
reference to the justice of the charge alleged
against him, saw that thirty-nine lashes were
administered.
A boy of twelve or fourteen, was desired one
day to goto Mr. B.’s with a note and to bring
back an instant answer. Off he ran; but, as he
drew near to the dreaded workhouse, sundry mis-
givings arose; he recollected having committed
some heinous fault a few days previous; and he
knew that ‘t was not his master’s common practice
to forgive such things. Sauntering away uncer-
Se Desa aco nat on ne as a eae
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 63
tain what to do, he met a boy of his own age,
who proposed a game of marbles. Catching at
the chance of saving himself at any expense, he
artfully engaged to meet him at some favourite spot,
if his friend would take the note which he shewed
to him, and wait for the answer; while he himself
performed some other pretended errand. The
terms were readily agreed to. The unhappy
victim delivered the fatal document, which desired
that the dearer should be severely flogged; and in
spite of his attempts to explain the manner in
which he had been duped, and his declaration that
he belonged to another person, and not to the
gentleman who had written the note, the punish-
ment was inflicted without mercy. Bleeding and
crying with pain he left the workhouse, and had
the additional mortification of seeing his playmate
peeping round the corner of a neighbouring street,
to watch the result of this heartless stratagem,
who laughed at him and called him a fool.
A growing distaste for the state of things around
me, and an anxious desire to qualify myself for
some professional pursuit, determined me to leave
the island; which I was soon enabled todo. At the
latter end of July, 1812, I sailed from the north
side in a merchant brig of about three hundred
and sixty tons burden, and a crew of fourteen
hands, including two boys. There was one steer-
age passenger; but so confirmed in drunken habits
64 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
that, although a well educated person, and of a
respectable family in Scotland, it was neither
agreeable nor prudent to cultivate his acquaint-
ance. My intercourse was therefore confined to
the captain and his mate. The latter was a young
man of some four and twenty years; of middle
stature, robust make, and the model of a British
tar, in activity, courage, and skill in the manage-
ment of both ship and men. He had served his
boyish days in a frigate; when she was paid off
he obtained his discharge, and was just commencing
in the merchant service, as mate of the brig. We
soon became on friendly terms. His long yarns
of hair-breadth scapes in boarding the enemy and
cutting out gun boats, &e., made me his constant
companion in the midnight watch.
The fleet assembled at the Kast End, amounting
to 80 sail, under convoy of the Polyphemus an
old 74, the fast sailing frigate Barbadoes, and some
minor craft. The Captains of the Merchantmen
having waited on the Commodore for instruc-
tions, returned to their ships, and we made all sail.
A spanking trade-wind soon carried us out of sight ,
of the high mountains of Jamaica.
On passing the Caymanas, a solitary canoe ina
very leaky condition, rowed by two stout negroes
and steered by its owner, came alongside. The
object was to barter for turtle, with which the
boa* was deeply laden. Our Captain obtained two
Bic NENW TRANS SEROMA RAMEE SRE RTSOES APA TP aD eee
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 65
or three ; giving in exchange a modicum of pork
and biscuit and some articles of dress. I thought
it strange that men should venture so far into the
open ocean in a conveyance so fragile and unsafe,
for sucha trifling gain. Connoisseurs seldom buy
these turtle; they are of an inferior kind for food,
but the shell is in greater estimation, and used to
constitute an article of brisk traffic with the needy
inhabitants of these islands.
CHAPTER VII.
Havannau—Leraky Boat—Spanisn Corres [louse—Wak
with AmMERIcA—Caprure oF A PrivarrEER—CALM—
Yevtow Fever In tue Freet—lrequent Deatus—
TAMARIND Water—CoLp AFFUSION INJUDICIOUSLY
Prescripen — Awrut Dearu oF Sreerace FPas-
SENGER — UnpLeasant Reriecrions — Hurricanp—
iv’s Errects—Titter Broken—F Lert Disrpersep—
Potyrpuemus IN Srgunt—Ditarorny Conpuct or THE
Captrain—Make Satt—Course Suarep tro Avorp
tue Convoy—SINGLE SHIP—SELF-SATISFACTION OF
THE CAPTAIN,
Tue Havannah was our appointed “ rendezvous,”
which we reached in due time. The fleet was ex-
pected to he to off the mouth of the harbour for
several hours; the Captain proposed therefore to go '
on shore, and [ gladly accompanied him. The
boat being lowered from the stern, we hastily de-
scended and shoved off, without making any par- |
ticular inspection as to it’s condition; we had to |
row about two miles, a service of some difficulty, |
if not of danger; for, as it had been exposed
2 CNET RETRD POE ARR ET FE EY eT ACRE Fo
Early Recollections of Jamaica. O7
without an awning, to the drying breeze and
scorching sun since we left Jamaica, the seams
were so much opened that they admitted the water
in most uncomfortable, if not alarming abundance.
Two men by constant baling, could scarcely keep
her free enough to float; we made but little way,
and were debating whether it would not be more
prudent to steer for the nearest ship, than to con-
tinue our course towards the shore. We deter-
mined to persevere.
As the timbers became moistened, the leaks
gradually closed, and we landed with no other in-
convenience than wet feet. The Captain, sailor-
like, made direct to a coffee-house or tavern, and
called for something to drink; which a Spanish
negro could not understand, until the action “ was
suited to the word.” He shortly returned, bearing
on a massive silver waiter two large tumblers filled
with what appeared to be Port-wine or Claret; a
lump of ice floated on the surface of each. Neither
of us could give it a name; but in our hot and
thirsty state we perfectly agreed that it was the
most delicious beverage we had ever tasted. Hav-
ing refreshed ourselves, we proceeded to look about
the town; but for this the Commodore would allow
no time. Signal guns alarmed the Captain, and
after an unsatisfactory and flying visit, we were
obliged to make with all speed to the brig. On
our arrival at the Havannah, we learned that war
9
F 2
wee ——
See
GE PESO IT SS NS . ge Siaenaeaaaboroman RAE TES TO
" ———— ~ _ - —— Se == ———— ——
ye
a
68 Larly Recollections of Jamaica.
had been declared with the United States; several
of whose privateers were lying at anchor there,
under the Moro castle. This accounted for the
hurried departure of the fleet, which resumed its
course, with strict orders to keep close to the Com-
modore. ‘The frigate was for several following
days in chase of suspicious vessels, and suc-
ceeded in capturing an enemy's schooner, as she
was hovering about to pick up any straggler, that
either by carelessness or bad sailing, might be se-
parated from its protectors. The breeze suddenly
died away, and for a week or more, a dead and
fiery calm succeeded. A heavy swell without a
ripple on the wave, heaved its huge mass of water
like molten lead, and greatly added to the discom-
forts of most stifling heat and confined accommo-
dation. Sails were flapping, bulkheads creaking,
and each ship seemed to have chosen it’s own eccen-
tric course. To crown the whole, the yellow fever
had commenced its ravages in the fleet, and naval
surgeons in daily request, were passing to and fro,
Here and there, a flag might be seen half-mast
high, denoting a death on board; and bodies were
committed to the deep with awful frequency all
around us. ‘Temperate habits were, under Provi-
dence, my preservation. I was not abstemious
however, in the use of tamarind weter; having
a large supply of this delicious fruit for my private
use, I persuaded the Captain to refrain from porter
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 69
and grog, and to partake with me. The quantity
of this cooling draught consumed by us was be-
yond all calculation. The incessant and copious
perspiration day and night, created constant thirst,
and called for an abundant supply of fluid. Death
invaded the brig in its turn; his only victim was
the unfortunate steerage passenger. One morning
he suddenly rushed in a state of delirium from his
berth, and peremptorily ordered the boat to be
lowered, saying, that he saw some friends waiting
for him and he must be off instantly. The cap-
tain and mate thought, as every other person did,
that he was in a state of intoxication, and attempted
to prevail on him to lie down again. He endea-
voured to throw himself overboard, declaring he
would go and no one should prevent him. They
seized him and gently laid him on his back; I was
asked what was best to be done. The medical
friend before-mentioned having convinced me of
the salutary effects of the cold affusion, this ap-
peared to be a case in which it must be of service.
The fever here was at its height; I therefore boldly
recommended a pail-full of salt-water to be thrown
over him. It was done; when after a heavy gasp
or two, he ceased to breathe; the fever of life was
over, and he had fled to give his dread account.
My feelings were of no enviable kind; but while
I bitterly lamented the melancholy result of the
prectice I had suggested, and vainly wished I had
70 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
given no advice, [ felt conscious of the best inten-
tion, and consoled myself, as well as I could, by
thinking that he must have died under the most
skilful treatment. My philosophy, however, was
scarcely equal to the demand which conscience
made upon it. I fancied the fore-mast men looked
scowlingly upon me; and for several days it re-
quired the utmost resolution to overcome the
repugnance I felt to walk the deck. In this un-
enviable state 1 hailed the approach of a fearful
hurricane, with joy. ‘The mate had predicted that
the long calm would end in one of these terrible
visitations ; as the symptoms increased, (which ex-
perience had taught him to regard as certain indi-
eations,) with commendable prudence, the brig was
made all snug. Signs in the sea and in the heavens
were anxiously watched; and after but a short un-
certainty, an indescribable groaning in the air,
was speedily followed by a rush of mighty wind,
which laid every ship on her beam-ends, carrying
away sails and masts from some, and capsizing
two or three, which with their hapless crews were
in an instant buried in the waves. Carefully as we
had been prepared for the unequal contest by the
skill and caution of the mate, a sail or two were
blown from the bolt-ropes like so many paper
kites; and for several hours the danger was immi-
nent. In the endeavour to lay the brig to,° the
® The tiller was very short, shipped abaft the rudder-head, and
worked by a chain,
Karly Recollections of Jamaica. 71
tiller-chain snapped; having replaced it by a
rope, the tiller itself broke off close to the rudder
head; the rudder was then blocked down by billets
of wood; and in this condition we rode for two
or three days and nights, in security, amidst the
appalling war of elements.
When the gale had somewhat moderated, and
the atmosphere become a little clear from foam and
spray, a man was sent aloft to ascertain if any of
the dispersed fleet were in sight. Just as we
were rising on the crest of a mountain wave, he re-
ported theseventy-four on our larboard bow; about
an hour afterwards, we could see the old Polyphe-
mus from the deck, with signals flying for all ships
to close with the Commodore. This happened
about noon. The mate recommended that the
carpenter should commence immediately to prepare
a new tiller, or some substitute, that we might set
sail and join the man-of-war, before the night came
on. ‘The captain said there was no hurry; there
would be time enough after Giiner; his object
evidently being to give the convoy the slip, and to
make, as he thought, a quicker passage as a single
ship. Late in the afternoou, and when the man-of-
war was out of sight, some lance-wood poles were
shipped as a temporary tiller, and we once more were
under sail; the course being shaped to avoid the
probability of coming again in sight of the seventy-
four. On the following morning we were alone.
es ___.
‘2
i
:
{
02 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
No other vessel could be discerned from the mast-
head, and the skipper rubbing his hands with de-
light, paced the deck with the air of a man on
perfect good terms with himself, and caring not
a fig for all the world besides.
CHAPTER VIIL
Susprcious VesseEn — Tue Mare’s Lamentation — THE
PrivaTEER—SERI0US ConpDucT oF THE Mate—Capr-
tains Loss or ApPETITE—First BroADS!1DE—BoBBING
THe Heap—In Dancer or BEING Rakep Forz ann
Art—JoHNNY SPRAWLING—REeEQUESTS ME TO WATCH
THE SHot—JOHNNY RUNS BELOW—EqvuivocaL Con-
puUcT OF THE CapTaiIN—CoNsULTATION—THE LAST
CARTRIDGE — HauL DOWN THE CoLouRS — MartTe’s
Coo~nEss—PRivaTEER’S Boats ALONGSIDE.
We had pursued our way for several days, when
one clear starlight morning, just at the break of
day, a small speck was discerned on the horizen,
which excited sundry misgivings in the gallant
eapiuin’s breast. As the Gawn expanded, the mate
brought a glass to bear on the suspicious object ;
and with a heavy sigh turned to me and said:—
* Are you ready fora brush! Mark me, that’s
a Yankee privateer; she sails like the wind, a
regular clipper schooner; and she’ll soon overhaul
us; we won't strike without a shot neither if I
can help it, for the honour of the flag. But it’s
74 Karly Recollections of Jamaica.
no use bless you, she would blow us out of the
water in afew moments if she’s properly handled.
Well, I could ery with vexation ; here am I just
begun the world for myself, glad to leave the Navy
because I was tired of cutting and slashing my
fellow creatures, and now I am forced to go at it
again. I don’t like it, that’s the truth; but once
in the mess, all in the way of duty, and I’ll be
the last to strike.” HKyvery preparation in our
feeble power was made to resist, if it should prove
to be anenemy. We had only three eighteen
pound carronades and two long nines; one of the
eightecns on the larboard side having, some day
before, broken from its lashings and pitched over- Rk
board in a heavy roll of the sca. There were
twelve muskets and the same number of pistols;
all of the commonest manufacture, and very much
out of order; these were consigned to me. Hayvy-
ing brushed up the locks, with the aid of a drop
or two of oil they were made to act with tolerable
ease, were all loaded by myself, and placed in re-
gular order on the main hatch, that I might fire
them in succession, if the privateer should come to
close quarters. An apprentice lad about the age
of sixteen, was placed at the wheel; all the men
being required at the guns. After a period of
silent suspense, each eye being fixed on the beau-
tiful but wicked looking cause of all these warlike
preparations, when about half a mile from us she
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 75
fired a gun and hoisted British colours; on which,
our ensign wasrun up. No sooner was this dis
played, than down came her false signal, to be
replaced by the starryemblem of America, followed
by the booming of another angry gun, to bring us
to. Bang went one of our eighteens to windward,
in proud defiance. When it was thus ascertained,
beyond all doubt, that the schooner was a privateer,
the mate requested me to go into the cabin, for a
few minutes’ conversation; and in a very serious
manner said :—‘* When I belonged to a man-of-
war, the chaplain used to call the men to prayers
before we went into action; now, I am no great
scholar, but you will be able to find them; here ’s
my prayer-book; I want you to kneel down with
me and read them; it will set us all right.” I
was surprised, though pleased, at the manly sincerity
and solemn demeanour of my shipmate. I readily
complied; and for the first time in my life, was led
to think seriously on the importance and necessity
of prayer. On rising from our knees the tears
were running down his weather-beaten face. Giving
me a hearty shake of the hand, he said, “now I
care nothing for the Yankees! ”
When we returned on deck the hands were piped
to breakfast. The captain turning to the mate and
me, said, ‘‘ we need not have any this morning. A
bit of bise ut and a glass of grog isall that I want.”
‘Tl beg your pardon Sir,” said the mate; “I never
76 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
found it good to fight on an empty stomach. Here
boy, bear a hand with the breakfast in the cabin.
He and I managed to eat a hearty meal, and were
not a little amused at the captain’s loss of ap-
petite.
We kept our course with the wind on the star-
board quarter; coming up to us, at a distance of
two hundred yards, rather to windward, and sailing
parallel to the brig, the Yankee opened her fire
with the regularity of a birthday salute, though in
quicker time. I stood on the quarter deck, a little
in advance of the boy at the wheel, whose name
was Johnny. As the first flight of shot whistled
over and around me, I could not help stooping,
with a most deferential, though somewhat nervous
nod. ‘To my surprise, I saw my active friend the
mate, knock down one of the men; and heard him
exclaim in an angry tone, you cowardly rascal!
what do you mean by bobbing your head? I felt
glad to think he had not observed my weakness ;
and screwing my courage up, I determined not to
yield again to so base an inclination. I had nothing
to do but to observe the progress of the fight, until
the proper time should arrive for the deadly use of
my twelve muskets. Feeling impatient, I snatched
up one, and thought I would make an experimental
shot at the schooner, just to try the distance. On
looking over the bulwarks, I found our relative
positions somewhat changed; the enemy appeared
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 77
to have dropped astern; at any rate, our spanker
boom, was pointed to her broadside. She was
nearly prepared for a second fire, and I had before
my eyes the dread of being “raked fore and aft.”
The captain and crew were so fully occupied in
righting a carronade which had turned upon it’s
side, that no one had observed our awkward state.
On calling to Johnny to shift the helm, and keep
her broadside-on, I saw that he had deserted his
post and was sprawling on the deck; unhurt,
except by terror. I urged him to resume the
wheel ; which he did; and he promised not to leave
it again, if I would sit on the poop and “ Watch
the shot!” We got the brig into her right position
before the enemy opened upon us again; and as it
was important to keep her so, agreed to take the
station assigned to me by Johnny, and look out
for shot. As the flashes rose from the deck of the
American, I cried out, “there’s a shot, Johnny,
there’s another, there’s ——-,” but before I could
give notice of the third, poor Johnny rushed below
and ensconced himself among tle rum and sugar
in the hold ; leaving the vessel to take care of her-
self. I took his place at the helm, and managed,
during a running fight of forty-five minutes, to
keep on a parallel with the American. The fore-
mast was crippled below the yard. The deck was
strewed with splinters from various spars, ends of
ropes were hanging in festoons, and most of the sails
A
i
78 Karly Leecollections of Jamaica.
pierced with numerous holes, though no shot had
struck the hull, nor had any man received a scratch.
We had expended nearly all our cartridges, and
only asmall quantity of loose powder remained. = 1
had been much amused whilst occupying Johnny’s
post, by the eccentric movements of our gallant
captain. After the enemy’s shot had, for the time,
passed over, he was always with his men, en-
couraging them most bravely; but on the first gun
from the next broadside, and sometimes before,
he would rush to the leeward side of the deck; and
in a stooping posture run backwards and forwards
under cover of the booms and the longboat, crying
out with all his might, “Fire away, my lads!” Just
as I was relieved from the wheel, a round shot
passed within arm’s length of my head, cutting a
groove in the spanker boom. I stretched out my
hand te the place, observing, “‘that’s quite near
enough!”
The American began to draw unpleasantly close
to us, and seemed determined to bring matters to
acrisis; which it was strange she had not done
sooner. The captain called the mate and myself
to a council of war, and placed the facts before us;
we had failed in our attempts to cripple the
schooner, which was the only chance of escape we
ever thought of. Our ammunition was nearly used;
to wait till she boarded us would be an act of mad-
ness. What could fourteen men do against at
Tai!
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 79
least one hundred?) We had better strike at once.
To all this I fully agreed: but the mate had once
more smelt powder, and seen an enemy. ‘The
force of old habits had revived, Turning sulkily
away, he said, “ Well, captain, there are the haul-
yards. You, of course, can haul down when you
please; but, as there are cartridges enough for
another broadside, I hope you will let me give it
to them first.” This he said, turning his quid, and
giving me a knowing look, which at the moment
I did not understand. He e» ‘ained it afterwards;
he meant, that the skipper wuld not like to expose
his person, by mounting the poop ; which he must
do for the purpose. The mate carried off the re-
maining cartridges in triumph, had the guns loaded
and double shotted, pointed each gun himself, and
gave the word, “ Fire.”
The captain then cried in a nervous tone, “ Bear
a hand, there, some one, and haul down the colours.”
The enemy was determined to have the last blow ;
and grape shot pouring over us made such a clatter
among the spars and rigging, that no one moved
to obey the order. The sturdy mate with a sneer
of scorn on his lip, walked slowly up the poop lad-
der, cast loose the haulyards, and leisurely hauled
the flag down; in the-act of doing this, a discharge
of grape riddled the spanker, only causing him to
say, “Fire away, my hearties.” Two boats imme-
diately shoved off from the privateer, and were
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80 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
soon alongside; before they reached the brig, my
friend the mate taking out his watch, requested
me to wear it; the property of a passenger being
more likely, as he thought, to escape the lawless
rapacity of the description of men avout to board us.
I did not like the charge; reminding him that we
might be separated, and no opportunity afforded
me to restore it to him, even if it were respected
as appearing to belong to mes; which I very much
doubted. He would not listen to my objections,
and as there was no time for many words, I put it
into my fob, as he said, ‘“‘ Well, never mind if it is
stolen; it will have a better chance with you any
how, and some day or other, if we live, I know
that I shall get it again.”
hy
SS
CHAPTER IX.
APPEARANCE AND BEHAVIOUR OF THE AMERICANS—DiIs-
GRACEFUL Boast or THE PrivaTEER’s CaARPENTER—
Riorous Conpuct—CoNFERENCE WITH THE YANKEE
Carrain—His Kinpness—Oxtp Joun—ReEtwurRN TO
THE Prize—Oup Jonn’s ScHEME oF RETALIATION
DELICACY OF THE AMERICAN OFFICERS.
A rope was thrown to the first boat, and in a few
seconds up came an officer followed close by eight
or ten men armed to the teeth. I was much struck
with their respectable appearance and courteous
behaviour. The leutenant, as he was styled,
demanded the name of our vessel. Where from?
Whither bound? What cargo? How many men?
&e. The second boat was also filled with armed
men, who speedily joined their shipmates and
thronged the deck. A carpenter was sent aloft
to repair the damage sustained by the masts and
spars; and other men to splice the ropes and in-
spect the rigging. Many, with shameless eftron-
tery, owned that they were British subjects. The
carpenter above them all, as he was “fishing” the
G
82 Early Recollections of Jamacea.
foremast, declared aloud, that he had a few months
previous belonged to a frigate on the Halifax
station, from which he deserted; that the Govern-
ment owed him arrears of pay, and he was deter-
mined to fight againct the British, until he had
repaid himself.
Contrary to the orders of the officers, several of
the privateersmen got below. <A trunk in my
cabin was broken open and a few things abstracted
—the object of search, no doubt was money,—but
I had divided my Spanish dollars amongst our
crew, in a fit of enthusiasm, (as I afterwards
thought, most improvidently,) reserving only eight
for myself. Some of the marauders found their
way into the hold, tapped the rum puncheons, and
returned to the deck in a state of riotous insubordi-
nation. One drew his cutlass on the officer in
command; who, very coolly, divided the biceps
muscle of his right arm, with a sabre cut, had him
secured, and order was restored.
The captain, mate, and half of our crew were
taken on board of the privateer in one boat, and
the rest with myself followed shortly after. On
going up the side my pocket was picked of a silk
handkerchief. Stepping over the gangway, and
saluting the quarter deck in the customary man-
ner, I was desired to advance to where the captain
of her stood, who received me politely. He was
a thin, sallow, sedate looking person, with good
ee
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 83
features and mild expression. He commenced, or
rather prefaced his questions, by a reference to my
personal appearance, at once flattering to youthful
vanity, and adapted to inspire confidence. In my
subsequent interviews with various Officials in New
York, they invariably began as he did; with,—
“Your appearance bespeaks the gentleman, sir; ”
to which I replied with a formal bow. Our conver-
sation continued in substance as follows :—
Were you a passenger on board of the prize?
Yes, sir, | was.
Where from ?
Jamaica.
Where bound !
To— , England.
What is the cargo !
I believe sugar and rum.
How many men ?
Fourteen hands, including two apprentice boys.
Have they all come on board the piivateer ?
To the best of my knowledge, they have.
Can you give your word of honour, sir, that there
are no more men on board the brig?
I cannot.
Why, sir?
Because I know not, precisely, how many men
your people have taken out of her. If you have
got fourteen hands, you have al! that I ever saw
on. board.
6 2
i ee eee RET Patra
a EN
Pratt * ee ee
ne
Ieee ees aa Le ee
en
84 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
You declare that, upon your honour?
I do, sir.
He then made me a bow, and I was about to
retire; but there was something in his appearance
which gave me confidence, and I ventured in my
blandest tone, to resume the conversation; with,
‘“*Youare very full of men, sir, I shall only be an in-
cumbrance to you. May I request permission to
return to the brig?”
What is your motive for making such a request /
I will deal candidly, sir; I have several. Here,
it is evident the accommodation must be very un-
comfortable. I understand you intend to make a
long cruise; during which you may meet with a
stouter enemy than we have proved, and I should
be sorry to be killed by a British shot. The brig
has ample accommodation. There are cruizers on
the sea which may pick her up before she reaches
New York, and by carrying her into Halifax, give
me an earlier opportunity of reaching England.
You speak plainly, sir.
I know that Iam addressing a man of feeling,
and I speak truly, sir.
Well, sir, will you give me your word of honour
that there are no men secreted on board the prize?
I have already said, if you have got fourteen,
you have all that I ever heard of. Besides, your
people can hang me up at the yard arm if I de-
ceive you; and I can assure you I would not run
such an unpleasant risk.
+ —————-
|
~———
(oe 4)
qr
Early Recollections of Jamaica.
You seem to be honest, you may go, sir.
I made my bow, expressed my sincere thanks,
and was moving towards the gangway to descend
to the boat, when our cook, called old John, to
distinguish him from the apprentice of the same
name, pulled my coat and said, “ Are you going on
board the brig, sir?” ‘‘ Yes” said I, “‘ good bye, old
boy.” “Speak a good word for me,” said he, “may
be the captain will let you take me with you. You'll
find me very useful. I shall only be in the way
here, and be knocked about like aswab. Do, bless
you, speak one word.” The appeal was irresistible.
T turned about and again approached the captain; to
whom I said, “I am afraid, sir, you will think I pre-
sume too much «.n your kindness; but, you see that
old man near the gangway; he is seventy, and grow-
ing very infirm. The poor old fellow wishes to go
with me. Here, he will be a nuisance to others,
and miserable himself. May I, without offence,
intreat you to let him accompany me? he will be
of service to me, and I shall be glad to see him
comfortable.”
‘Really sir,” he replied, “you are drawing rather
freely on my good nature.” After a few moments,
hesitation, he added, with a smile, “however, you
may take him.” [I still remember the considerate
kindness of Captain Worcester, when he com-
manded the Saratoga privateer, of sixteen guns
and one hundred and twenty men,
86 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
14 Old John and I joyfully resumed our respective
| berths, and away went the Saratoga on her plunder-
ing expedition, hoping to fall in with another of
! our scattered fleet; which alas, she did in the
course of a week; capturing the “John Sibbald,”
a (I believe,) a stout ship commanded by a resolute
mn man, (Captain Udney,) after a severe and sangui-
i il nary fight.
Poor Udney had his thigh broken, and a spirited
youth about my own age, the youngest son of the
owner, was killed at his side.
Satisfied for the time, the privateer accompanied
her second prize into New York; where she arrived
before we did.
My kindness to old John had well nigh involved
us both in a serious scrape. Two or three days
after we had parted from the privateer, he came to
me when no person was near, and whispered, “ [ll
do for’em yet.” “What do you mean?” said I. He
replied, ‘“‘why Pve got a crow bar in the hold, and
have stove in two or three puncheons, and I'll have
most of ’em empty before they reach New York.”
“You foolish old man,” said I, “do you know if they “
find it out they'll hang you, or make you walk a
plank? and serve you right. Now I tell you what;
if you do not promise to pitch that crow bar over-
board, and leave off your work of destruction, I
will tell the Yankees, and you must suffer for it.
will not put myself in jeopardy for your sake;
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 87
so you had better do what I tell you; and do it
quickly.” He followed my advice, and the next
day told me it was done.
The prize master and his mate were very civil
persons, and behaved with the utmost delicacy and
attention to my comfort. One trifling incident
which I remember, may suffice to shew their
spirit. Some bottles of porter, a remnant of my
sea stock, still remained in the lockers—of this
beverage Americans are rather fond. These kind
men held it sacred, as my property; not would
they taste a drop, but in compliance with my
wishes, and after many pressing invitations. In-
deed, from all the treatment I received from officers
and crew, it was difficult to believe that any change
had taken place in my position.
We were favoured with beautiful weather and
very gentle breezes, making but little way ; which
seemed to increase the chance, as I hoped, of
falling in with a British eruiser and being taken
to Halifax.
CHAPTER X.
Boston PrivatEER—Narrow Escape From Bap ReEck-
ONING—ARRIVAL OFF Sanpy Hook — QUARANTINE
GrounD—DvELLING Pistots—A YANKEE MISSES THE
Marxk—Crvueu INsunt—ARrrRIve at NEw Yorx—City
MARSHAL.
Some days after the departure of the Saratoga, we
were chased by a small schooner; when she had
nearly come up with us, she fired a gun and hoisted
English colours. My American friends were puz-
zled, and thought she was a man-of-war coming
to make them disgorge the sugar and rum which
they had gained so cheaply.
The two officers reminded me how well I had
been used; and hoped if it should prove to be a
‘ Britisher,” I would do them the justice to men-
tion it. T assured them of the high sense I enter-
tained of their kindness, and the pleasure it would
give me to report it most favourably to a king’s
officer; but I felt convinced that the vessel about
to overhaul us would not give me the gratifying
opportunity—so it proved—she was a privateer
en-
ald
g"s
out
ing
eer
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 89
from Boston, and passed close under our stern, into
which, if American colours had not been flying at
the peak, she would have poured a raking fire and
settled the business in a few minutes; instead of
playing at long bowls (as the sailors term it) like
the Saratoga. Captain Worcester however had a
good excuse for his more leisurely proceeding ;
most of his crew were Iandsmen; they had not
been long out of port, and were desperately sea-
sick.
The stranger having satisfied her curiosity, took
a polite leave of us, and pursued her roving course.
We expected very shortly to make the land; and
as all hope of recapture seemed to be at an end, I
Was as anxious as any person on board, to see the
beautiful entrance into New York harbour, which
they described in glowing terms.
The prospect before me was certainly not en-
couraging. My naturally buoyant spirits began to
flag. I grew heartily tired of my two companions
in the cabin, one of whom was a slovenly and ig:
norant mulatto, whose society rather offended my
West Indian prejudices. Sleep refused it’s friendly
aid, “ to steep my senses in forgetfulness.” Weary
of tossing from side to side, I rose before day-break
to seek refreshment in a walk upon deck. I had
been for some minutes leaning over the weather
gangway, enjoying the cool air of the morning,
when a noise caught my ear, which puzzled me to
90 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
account for; on listening more attentively, it
sounded like the sea washing over a sandy beach.
Not wishing to give a false alarm, I waited until
fully satisfied on the point. Then calling the dark
gentleman who had the watch on deck, I desired
him to listen and tell me if he heard anything.
“No,” said he, “ what do you expect to hear in
this place?” I replied, “ one sometimes hears un-
expected sounds; and certainly I did not anticipate
these, supposing your reckoning to be correct.”
“What do you mean?” he rejoined. ‘ Why,”
said I, “I mean that I hear breakers a-head, and
if you do not put the brig about, you will speedily
feel them.” He scarcely appeared to believe me ;
but I spoke in so decided a tone that he called the
prize master, who turned ont with great reluctance,
and being but half-awake, of course could hear
nothing. After listening for a few minutes he con-
firmed the incredulity of his shipmate, by saying,
“T guess we shall not make the land until to-
morrow.” The sound again distinctly reached me.
“Ts it possible,” said I, “that you do not hear that ?
It concerns yourselves more than me. It is anice
calm morning, there is no sea on, we are but few
and have plenty of boats; you will soon see who
is right.”
Still sceptical, he turned away to finish his
snooze; but, just as he reached the companion lad-
der, the wheel was jerked out of the helmsman’s
Barly Recollections of Jamaica. Y]
hand, who cried out, in alarm, “She struck!” I
was wicked enough to rejoice at the confusion which
instantly arose. ‘ Hard up with the helm! call
all hands!” vociferated the frightened officer. The
deck was heartily belaboured with a heavy hand-
spike, to rouse the men, who came tumbling up in
astonishment. The brig went kindly round, grazed
the top of a sand-bank on which she hung for a
few seconds; then another, and with a long and
leisurely slide over a third, which we feared would
bring her up, she happily, fell into deep water, and
the danger was passed ; more by the kindness of
Providence, than the skill of the navigators. They
were heartily ashamed of themselves, and begged
me not to mention the circumstance in New York ;
of course, therefore, it was not noted in the log.
We arrived off Sandy Hook two days after this
escape ; passing through the narrows, we came to
anchor close under Staten Island, where we
were detained in quarantine for the usual time, in
consequence of the death that had happened on
board before we were taken. This was little bet-
ter than a form; for I was allowed to go ashore
and employ myself as I chose. I sometimes chat-
ted with a kind old woman, who invited me to rest
in the porch of her neat cottage, and refresh my-
self with delici us apples, which she gratuitously
placed before me. They were just completing a
bomb-proof battery, at the water’s edge, to com-
92 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
mand the narrow entrance into the harbour. I
watched the progress of the work, mingled with
the workmen, and found great amusement in their
conversation; although my national prejudices were
often wounded, almost beyond endurance, by their
expressions of unmitigated enmityagainst the “ Bri-
tishers.”
A brother of the prize-master, a handsome and
active youth, somewhat younger than myself, came
from the city to welcome his arrival, and remained
with us for several days. We were for the time
inseparable. It was impossible not to like him;
for, in addition to the outward advantages of form
and feature, le seemed to be of an ingenuous and
manly disposition, and took pleasure in affording
me amusement. We were very good friends, until
one day producing a pair of English-made duelling
pistols, of which he was very proud, “ Come,” said
he, “and I will show you how a Yankee can crack
a bottle.” I went with him on deck. Having
loaded his weapons, he corked an empty wine bot-
tle, threw it overboard, and, taking a deliberate
aim, fired at it. ‘The ball struck the water very
wide of the mark. He made a second trial with
no better success. The men and I laughed at his
failure. “ Now,” said I, “Jet me show you how
an Englishman can do it.” This he could not well
refuse. I had observed that he used too much
powder. Cautiously loading the pistols myself,
Early Recollections of Jamaica 98
I which he would fain have done for me, he threw
ith another bottle ,overboard. I fired, and down it
ler sank. There was an exulting shout from the
ere Jookers-on, and my friend, in a state of rude
eir excitement from evident chagrin, said, ‘Poh!
Bri- poh! It wasa chance shot; you will not do it
again, if you try a dozen times.” Believing him to
and be more than half right in his assertion, I refused
me to make another trial. He never recovered his cor-
ned diality ; and I fear was led a few days afterwards,
me to use a very unworthy method of retaliation. The
m ; period of quarantine had expired; the anchor
orm weighed, sails set, and the brig was beginning to
and move through the water towards New York; he
ling rushed in an impetuous manner into the cabin
ntil where I was reading, and begged me to come on
ing deck instantly, as he could show me a most beau-
aid tiful sight. I conceived that he alluded to the sur-
ack rounding scenery, and hastened to follow him. On
ing arriving upon deck, with a most insulting expres-
ot- sion he pointed tothe mast-head. ‘‘ Look there!”
ate said he, ‘ There’s a glorious sight !—that’s how it
ary ought always to be.” I beheld a new American
ith flag proudly waving over the honoured ensign of
his my country, to designate that the brig was a prize.
ow The feelings which this unexpected sight aroused
ell cannot be described. I was for a few moments ut-
ich terly confounded ; while be seemed to exult in the
effect of this ungenerous act. Subduing, with no
94. Early Recollections of Jamaica.
small effort, the first burst of indignation, to which,
reckless of all consequences, I was on the point of
yielding, and throwing upon him a look of utter
contempt, I calmly said, ‘‘ I may live to meet you
under a change of circumstances; if so, you shall
see how far superior an Englishman is, in all
things, to a Yankee.” Then, rushing below, |
seated myself in an agony at the table, and, cover-
ing my face, gave way to a flood of tears.
The prize-master having learned the cause of my
quitting the deck in a state of such excitement, se-
verely rebuked his brother, and brought him into
the cabin to express regret for what he had done.
My mind was not prepared to listen to accommo-
dation on any terms; I therefore proudly disdained
to receive an apology from one so thoroughly be-
neath my notice.
This occurrence prevented me from appearing
again on deck until we drew very near to the city.
Before we reached the anchorage my only hat was
knocked overboard, and irrecoverably carried away
by the tide.
As soon as my commanding officer had given the
brig into the charge of the Custom House authori-
ties, he delicately intimated that I must xecompany
him, as a prisoner of war, to the City Marshal’s
office. To march through a populous city un-
covered, was particularly disagreeable; therefore,
I requested him to stop at a shop on the way, at
Karly Recollections of Jamaica. 95
which, without reflecting on the folly of the act,
I spent my eight dollars in the purchase of a hat.
It produced a favourable effect, however, on Mr.
Peter Curtenius, to whose office we were bound;
for, after listening attentively to the prize-master’s
statement, he turned to me, and began in the true
American style, with ‘‘ Your appearance bespeaks
the gentleman, sir!” .
He was a person of very courteous manners,
and displayed no needless pride of office. He
seemed to be puzzled to know how I should be
dealt with; and conversed for some time with my
companion, in an under tone.
Wishing to be relieved from suspense, and to
know the worst, I ventured to ask, “must I be
locked up, sir?” ‘‘ Not unless you prefer it,” was
his reply. ‘It were strange for an Englishman to
prefer a prison,” said I, “but I have no means,
and necessity may compel me to submit to sach
an unpleasant alternative; in which case how shall
I fare?’ ‘“ You will be allowed forty cents per
diem, to find yourself.” After brief reflection, I
resumed, “ Unless you insist on my going to pri-
son, I had rather starve at liberty.” “ You may
please yourself, sir,” “ May I go?” “Stop one
moment, if you please. If you give me your word
of honour to appear before me on Monday at ten
o'clock, can I depend upon you?” ‘ Most cer-
tainly,” said I. This was on a Saturday.
96 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
Having pledged my word to that effect, I made
my bow to Mr. Curtenius, shook hands with my
keeper, thanked him heartily for all his kindness,
and launched boldly into the crowded streets of a
great and populous city, without a sixpence in my
pocket,—‘“‘ unknowing and unknown.”
ade
my
ESS,
of a
my
CHAPTER XI.
Meet Op Jonn — Hospirasrte IrisHmMan -~ Seconp In-
TERVIEW with Mr. Curtentus—Suip ror Enaianp
—CRruEL DisappoIntmMent— Messrs, ABRAHAM Rwvc-
KER AND Co. — Liperauiry or tHE AMERICAN
OwneRsS—UNpLEASANT Frouic oF A DRUNKEN Sat-
LOR—UNEXPECTED Goop Fortune,
[ saunterep carelessly along, until curiosity began
to flag; and (which was a much more serious
affair) until the want of sustenance induced an
unpleasant faintness, such as, in all my trials, I
had never before experienced.
It was late in the afternoon; I had breakfasted
sparingly at an unusually early hour, and had under-
gone much bodily fatigue and mental suffering.
It became necessary to decide what could be done
for shelter, at least through that night and the
following day; after which, I could but go to
prison.
Uncertain where to bend my steps, I still went
on through a kind of Wapping district, abounding
in porter-houses, as they were called, and filled
H
98 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
with sailors; my steps were most providentially
directed.
At the door of one of these houses I beheld
with pleasure and surprise one familiar face. Old
John stood before me; he had been taken to
prison the day before we left the quarantine
ground. The following dialogue commenced be-
tween us.
“ Why, John, is this you? [ thought you were
in prison.” ‘*So I was fora short time, but they
did not lock us up; the prison is on an island just
opposite the city; aman offered me a cast in his
boat, so I thought I might as well come over.”
“Are you going back again?” “No, not I.”
“What are you doing here? How do you manage
to live?” ‘The master of this house is a kind-
hearted Irishman, he says he'll never see an Eng-
lishman in want as long as he can relieve him; so
you see he makes me welcome to my grub and
lodging all free gratis.” “John, my boy, that’s
the very sort of man I want to meet with; you
must introduce me to him, will you?” ‘Aye,
willingly.”
Going into the house he called the landlord,
who quickly made his appearance, expecting, no
doubt, a more profitable customer. His outward
man made no very favourable impression. Imagine
a short punchy fellow, about five-and-forty, in-
clined to corpulency, with greyish hair, large
ially
held
Old
n to
itine
| be-
were
they
_ just
n his
ver.”
(eae ide
nage
kind-
that’s
. you
Aye,
llord,
g, no
bward
agine
y, in-
large
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 99
mouth, a most uncomfortable squint, and rather
bandy legs.
With money in my pocket, I certainly should
not have selected such a host. Notwithstanding
all these external disadvantages, he was a kind
and worthy man, disinterested and hospitable.
I told my tale, which John fully corroborated.
{ confessed that I neither had money then, nor
the most distant chance of procuring any in that
country ; all | wanted was shelter until Monday
morning, when | should present myself again be-
fore the city marshal, and claim the privilege of
prison-accommodation, and forty cents per diem.
“Och,” said he, “Tl not hear a word of it;
sure, if ye can make shift wid our fare, ye'll take
your mails wid me wife and me, and we'll make
ye mighty welcome, so no more about it, but
step in.”
The proposal was too kind, and too well ac-
corded with my wants to be refused. Assuring him
that he should be repaid some day, if my life was
spared to reach England, I went into his clean
little parlour off the bar, where I found his wife,
a young good looking American, who added her
assurances to those of her husband, that I should
be welcome to live with them as long as I chose.
Here, then, I was in clover; always a joint of
meat or some excellent fish, with apple or peach
pie or pudding for dinner, peaches and milk (no
H 2
oe :
Sa
SL SSS NS ST RE a
Te Ficpina Ioiieepadispa/saiblesn Gracin egies ET SE
LOO Early Recollections of Jamaica.
unpalatable mess) for breakfast, and often the
same for supper. I scrupulously refused pressing
invitations to drink either porter or whisky-
punch.
On the Monday, true to my appointment, I
presented myself before Mr. Curtenius, and was
rather mortified to find that my “ gentlemanly ap-
pearance” had failed to make any lasting impres-
sion on hismind. He did not recognize me, until
T had refreshed his memory by repeating the cir-
cumstances under which I had been brought to
his notice on the previous Saturday. He desired
me to show myself once a-week, and I left the
office to explore the city.
In my wanderings a placard caught my eye,
headed by the tantalizing words, “ For England !”
It stated that a ship would sail in a few days, and
referred to Messrs. White and Co. for passage, &c.
I lost no time to enquire my way to their coun-
ting-house, and soon found myself at the door,
which I opened in almost breathless anxiety. The
next moment I was in the presence of a formal-
locking personage, dressed in a coat of sad colour,
cut in the Quaker fashion. I explained my busi-
ness with all the eloquence I could muster, gave
him to understand it was a matter of great impor-
tarice to my future prospects that I should get to
England by the first opporturity, and hoped there-
fore to be able to arrange with him for a passage.
yres-
intil
cir-
t to
sired
the
eye,
nd !”
- and
» SC.
coun-
door,
The
rmal-
our,
busi-
gave
npor-
et to
here-
sage.
Karly Recollections of Jamaica. 101
He first assured me the ship was quite full; it
was impossible to take one more. I said, it was
of so much consequence to me to get home, that I
did not care for what is called accommodation. I
had been of late used to rough it, and would not
object even to lie on the deck, if I might but be
carried to England. If that were the case, he
said, [ might go. In reply to my question as to
terms, I forget the sum he named, but it appeared
something very unreasonable, especially for the
proposed accommodation. However, I agreed to
give him a draft for the amount, on a mercantile
house, to be paid on my arrival. He objected to
this, and required the cash down; which, of course,
I could not give.
In vain did I almost supplicate; reminding him
that his captain could detain me on board until
the demand was satisfied. He remained inexora-
ble. Driven to despair, with some bitter allusion
to his want of Christian kindness, I left the room
to take refuge with my Irish friend.
A day or two after this miserable failure, I re-
membered having a puncheon of rum on board of
the brig when she was taken. Catching, as it
were, at this straw, 1t seemed not impossible that
the owners of the privateer might be prevailed on
to make some small allowance for it, in my other-
wise hopeless circumstances. I determined to try
102 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
the experiment as a last resource ; in pursuance of
which I called on Messrs. Abraham Rucker and
Co., chemists and druggists, Fore-street, who had
some shares in the prize; one of the partners was
in the shop, to whom, after giving my name and
the particulars of my case, I said, “I know that
by the usages of war I can have no claim on your
consideration; but I hope other motives will induce
you to make some small allowance, under my try-
ing’ privations.”
I received a civil and sympathizing answer.
Mr. Rucker said, “I really feel for you, sir, and
you may rely on my stating the matter for the
consideration of the owners. I have only one
voice, but that shall be used to the utmost in
your behalf. There will be a meeting this even-
ing, and if you will call here in the morning, I
shall be happy to let you know the result ; which
I hope may prove favourable, although I would
not have you build upon it, because there are
many opinions to consult.” I thanked him, and
returned to my peach and milk fare, with pleasing
anticipations of success.
In the night, my dreams were rudely disturbed
by the frolics of a drunken sailor, who came to
the foot of my bed, calling out in a boatswain’s
voice, “ All hands a hoy—’bout ship—tumble up
there—come, rouse up you lazy Iubber,” and un-
le of
and
had
was
and
that
our
duce
try-
wer.
and
rr the
one
st in
even-
ng, I
vhich
vould
> are
. and
asing
irbed
ne to
vain’s
le up
1 un-
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 108
ceremoniously seizing my ancles in his iron grasp,
pulled me violently off from the miserable apology
for a bed, and dragged me round the room, to the
great amusement of his comrades.
He was a good-natured fellow, nevertheless; said
he only meant it for a lark, and hoped no offence.
I was obliged to pocket the affront, returned to
my pallet, and soon fell asleep. The next morn-
ing sundry bruises reminded me of the adventure,
and indeed refreshed my memory on the subject
for the following week.
Having dispatched my frugal breakfast, I has-
tened to Mr. Rucker. The rebuff I had received
from my Quaker friend had taught me to prepare
for disappointment. I opened the door of the
chemist’s shop with a trembling hand; but on
beholding the benignant smile of its inmate, I felt
assured he had succeeded. “I am glad to tell
you,” said he, ‘that I have done better for you
than I expected, though not quite as I could
wish. You must understand that our government
levies very heavy duties on all prize articles, and
there are other expenses to be taken into account ;
so that, I am sorry to say, they cannot agree to
allow you more than fifty dollars for your pun-
cheon of rum. Here is the sum, and I am very
glad to be the bearer of even that.” Having ex-
pressed my warmest thanks to him for the kind
104 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
interest and trouble he had taken in my behalf,
and begged him to convey my acknowledgments
to the other owners, I returned in great glee to
my landlord; to his astonishment paid up my
arrears, and insisted on indemnifying him for my
old shipmate also, which I continued to do while
{ remained in New York.
half,
ents
e to
my
‘my
hile
CHAPTER XII.
Merr wirn Jounny-—~ His Dereticrion — AMERICAN
Prorection — SHAMEFUL Conpuct oF Captain ——
—Srormy Renconrre—Prieasant MEETING WITH THE
Mate—Pur on Parote—Sait rrom New York IN
me JANE Maria—Captain Lawrence.
Srronuing in the neighbourhood, I met with
Johnny, the apprentice who, during the action,
begged me to watch the shot, and ingloriously
deserted his post to hide his head in the hold.
He was dressed in a new suit, with glazed hat, a
long steel watch-chain with seals attached, dang-
ling from his fob. Had he not accosted me, I
should have passed him by unnoticed. “ Hollo,
Johnny,” said I, “Iam glad to see you looking
so well. I thought you were in confinement.”
“Q no,” he replied, “they are glad to get sea-
men; they don’t keep them in prison, but leave
the gates open that they may go in and out as
they please.” “So they all tell me,” said I, * But
how did you manage to get these fine clothes, and
106 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
that watch which I see? you had none, I think,
on board the brig.”” “ O,” said he, ‘I have vo-
lunteered for the Saratoga.’ “ What!” I ex-
claimed, “vow volunteer to fight! and to fight
against your king and country ! you young scoun-
drel! If lever meet you in England TIl have
you hanged to a certainty!” “No, you won't,”
he replied, “I have taken good care of all that.
I have got a regular American protection.” This
he produced. It was a tissue of lies, describing
him under another name (to the best of my recol-
lection), stating that he was born in New York,
of parents who were citizens of the United States.
This document was sworn to before some local
authority, and duly witnessed.
I told him that to his base conduct as a traitor,
he had added the sin of perjury ; and that if he
escaped the hangman, he might expect to be shot
for cowardice, by the Yankees themselves.
My excited manner and loud tone, was begin-
ning to draw together a rather unamiable looking
party, and I thought it prudent to move off.
Pursuing my walk, | was attracted by a crowd
of sailors assembled at the door of a porter house,
where it was evident from the mournful counte-
nances around me, and a few broken sentences
which reached my ears, that some awful catas-
trophe had happened. I was, from curiosity, in-
duced to enter the house, to learn the truth of the
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 107
report of those without. The landlady and her
two daughters, who appeared to be respectable
and kind persons, gave me the following melan-
choly particulars of an event which had excited a
strong sensation in the neighbourhood, and very
much shocked themselves. About an hour before
I arrived there, an English seaman, between forty
and fifty years old, was walking up the street in a
very dejected state of mind. As he passed the
door, a shipmate recognized him, and invited him
in, to rest and refresh hiaself; for he acknow-
ledged that he had not tasted any thing that day,
and declared he never would allow food to pass
his lips in that country. The dinner was on the
table, and the landlady came out to announce it
to some of her lodgers, who were engaged in con-
versation in the street. With genuine kindness
she urged the stranger to enter and partake of
their fare. Overcome by her hospitable solicita-
tions he consented, saying—‘ You women are
good creatures ; I cannot refuse to come in, for I
have a dear wife and daughter at home who would
love you for your kindness to me if they did but
know it. I shall not live to see them again. I
have lost all my earnings, and I should go home a
beggar, if I went at all. I will come in, for I like
to see kindness in a woman, and I thank you for
it—but its all too late.” Saying which, he entered
the room where the dinner was prepared, and
108 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
seated himself in a corner, at a distance from the
table. For some time he resisted every solicita-
tion to draw nearer, wickedly uttering a solemn
wish that the first morsel he should attempt to
swallow in New York might choke him. This
impious prayer was soon to be awfully answered ;
for, yielding at last to the unceasing requests of
the women, he permitted them to put some meat
on his plate, a morsel of which he conveyed to his
mouth; but, in the act of swallowing it, fell back
in his chair and suddenly expired.
All this time I had seen nothing of my former
captain. Accidentally meeting him, it was natural
for me to tell him all that had happened to me
since we parted on board of the privateer. I men-
tioned the kindness of Mr. Rucker, and the libe-
rality of the owners, in making me an allowance
for my rum.
A few days afterwards, an oficer of the Saratoga
called on me, and said—‘‘I think it right you
should know what a pretty trick Captain
has played you. It seems he had some half dozen
puncheons on board of the brig; our owners hay-
ing dealt so liberally with you, encouraged him to
apply for a similar indulgence; and he, most un-
reasonably, expected to be indemnified for all his
losses by the capture. His application being re-
jected he became insolent, and was turned out of
the room; but before he left the meeting, he de-
the
icita-
lemn
t to
This
red ;
s of
neat
0 his
ack
‘mer
ural
me
nen-
libe-
vunee
ga
you
zen
1aAV-
1 to
un-
his
re-
; of
de-
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 109
elared that the rum which you had claimed,
although branded with your name, and inserted
in the bill of lading as your property, did not in
fact belong to you.”
This cruel aspersion confounded me. I never
thought well of the man, but I could not believe
him capable of fabricating such an injurious ca-
lumny. Smarting under a keen sense of the un-
merited injury, from one who should rather have
afforded protection and assistance ; and being desi-
rous of putting myself right with the kind Mr.
Rucker and the others, I requested my informant
to come with me in search of the captain. We
found him. Our interview, as might have been
expected, wasa stormy one. Although nothing very
satisfactory could result from collision with a man
so void of principle, I had the means of making
him prevaricate and contradict himself under my
cross questioning, so that the American officer
said, “It is evident you don’t speak the truth.”
Unfortunately the matter did not rest here. He
had been exposed in the presence of a friend, in
whose eyes he wished to figure as a man of spirit,
and who, perhaps, had hinted that the language I
had used was rather strong. This roused within
him a burning spirit of revenge. He expressed a
determination to chastise my insolence, as he was
pleased to call it, and brought his friend with him
to witness the infliction.
110 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
They suddenly entered the little parlour in
which I was seated with my host. The captain
demanded, most ferociously, if I persisted in saying
that his assertions were false. ‘‘ Certainly,” said
I, “and I shall do so with my latest breath. You
know they are false, and should be ashamed to
utter them.” With all the extra exertion of a
bullying school boy, he threw off his coat, calling
me to come on, and he would serve me out, if I
was nota coward. “I think,” said I, “I know
which of us best deserves ¢hat epithet.” Button-
ing my coat, and steadily watching his motions, I
continued—‘“ Captain this is 2 practice to
which I have never had recourse since my school
boy days; but my fists, I suppose, were given to
me for protection; I shall not scruple to use them
if you offer to strike, and perhaps you may find,
to your cost, that I have not forgotten the art.”
Instead of planting a shower of blows on my de-
voted carcase, as I fully expected, to the astonish-
ment of the bystanders, and of his friend in parti-
cular, (but very much to my own satisfaction), he
hastily resumed his coat, vowing that if he ever
met me in Fingland he would satiate his ven-
geance ; at which I laughed, and he left the house
amidst the sneers of all assembled.
That evening I had the satisfaction to meet my
friend the mate, and joyfully handed him his
watch, in as good order as when he committed
nr in
tain
ying
said
You
Pd to
of a
lling
if I
<now
tton-
ns, I
e to
hool
en to
them
find,
art.”
y de-
nish-
arti-
), he
ever
ven-
ouse
my
his
ted
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 111
it tomy keeping. ‘ Well,” said he, grasping my
hand, ‘“ I always said you were a good fellow. I
knew that I should get my watch again.” “I
hope you never doubted it,” said I. ‘* No,” he
replied, “but the skipper called me a fool for
trusting it with you, and said you would be sure
to sell it.” Here was another piece of kindness
for which I took an early opportunity of thanking
the captain.
The fact was, that the prize master very soon
cast a longing eye upon it, and repeatedly urged
me to sell it to him. To rid me of his importu-
nity, I was obliged to tell him it belonged to the
mate, whom I hoped to meet in New York; if
not, I should take it with me to England, in the
hope of delivering it to him there.
On my last visit to Mr. Curtenius, I thought it
prudent to insist on being put upon parole, so that
I might have some document to produce in case of
need, to prove who and what I was. He gave me
the customary certificate, armed with which I felt
more secure from inconvenience. Weary of my
unavoidable associates, and of the kind of life
which I was compelled to lead, and reduced nearly
to my last dollar, T heard with joy that a schooner
was taken up by the government, to effect a change
of prisoners between New York and Halifax. I
repaired to the British Consul, shewed him my
{
'
|
tea EI
|
ih
'
|
Hf
hit
vu
Wey
te
Hi)
Hae
i
;
|
Wea
Hae
|
ian
i
ute
ie
I"
;
:
eet
——
SSS eee ST ae
SS ES SE a iene + ee =
= meena
ucseseandaee
anid
112 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
parole certificate, and was ordered a passage in the
Jane Maria, to sail in a few days.
Any change could not but prove agreeable. I
expected it would be more easy in a British co-
lony, to procure money for my necessities; or at
any rate, to find a speedy passage to England.
Taking a cordial leave of my host and his wife,
old John, and others who had been kind to me,
with a threadbare and scanty wardrobe, stowed
in an imposing trunk, calculated to hold three
times the quantity it actually contained, I em-
barked at the battery, on board the beautiful
schooner, pennyless.
Captain Lawrence, first cousin to poor Law-
rence of the Chesapeake, commanded her, with a
erew of ten remarkably fine looking men. Her
cargo consisted not of ‘‘ notions,” as the Yankees
eall an assortment of goods, but of live lumber,
in the shape of British merchant seamen, in num-
ber about 120, ten man of war’s men, being the
crew of a sloop which had been taken by a
heavy privateer, commanded by a Frenchman,
and eighteen or twenty passengers in the small
* cabin.
These consisted of the late commander of the
above mentioned sloop, his surgeon, master’s mate,
purser, and two or three midshipmucu; a Halifax
pilot, a medical gentleman and his wife, two mer-
or at
wife,
D me,
lowed
three
em-
tiful
Law-
ith a
Her
nkees
mber,
num-
g the
by a
man,
small
f the
nate,
lifx
mer-
chant captains, two young ladies, a black woman,
the son of an honourable seeking employment,
myself, and one or two others.
When the bustle of stowing away the luggage
had somewhat subsided, Captain Lawrence, a
young man of pleasing person and amiable man-
ners, called the gentlemen together on the quarter
deck, and thus addressed them :—
“7 thought you would find the ship’s provisions,
to which you are entitled, but sorry fare; with a
view, therefore, to make you more comfortable, |
have laid in a supply of poultry, vegetables, fruit,
wine, beer, &c. Here is an account of what
they cost me. The sum is not large; divided
amongst our party, each will have to pay but a
trifle. If you are willing, I shall be happy to ap-
propriate them to your use, and I will make the
best arrangements in my power for our mutual
comfort.”
“The proposal was agreed to by acclamation.
I believe mine was the only silent tongue on the
occasion. Captain Lawrence then spoke to each
individual separately ; coming to me, he said,
“you have heard my proposal, sir; I hope you
will join our mess.”
I told him it would give me great pleasure to
do so, but I regretted that my entire want of
means at that moment, and the uncertainty of
I
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 113
114 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
procuring any in Halifax, would prevent me from
partaking of his good cheer.
“Excuse me, sir,” said he, “I will not take a
refusal on the grounds you have mentioned. I
am commanding officer here, and you really must
be guided by my wishes on the subject. Never
mind, if you should be so unfortunate as not to
get a supply of the needful, you will send me the
trifle from England some day or other; so pray
oblige me without another word.” My scruples
were overcome, and I consented.
A gentle breeze carried us through the narrows.
On passing the quarantine ground I beheld the
neat cottage on the hill, whose kind tenant treated
me with apples during my tedious purification, and
I invoked a blessing on her head.
me from
t take a
med. I
lly must
Never
3 not to
me the
so pray
scruples
narrows.
held the
; treated
ion, and
CHAPTER XIII.
UnxcomrortaBLeE Bep— Capratn Frynn — Tur Sevrisy
Maxn—New Meruop or Broacninc a Cask —
Mutiny—Sprina A Leak—Inerpet Docror—Brirr
Account oF unis DEATH MANY YEARS AFTER.
As the evening approached, it was necessary to
make our arrangements for the night. A schooner’s
cabin, with a few standing bed places on either
side, afforded but scanty sleeping room for our
number. The females were first considered. The
naval commander, who had not recovered from a
severe wound across the back of his neck, close to
the base of the skull, required every indulgence.
Then came a scramble for the rest.
Our luggage, secured on the deck, rose in a
compact mass to a considerable height in the cen-
tre of the cabin. On each side of this, space was
left just sufficient to admit of reaching the dor-
mnitories by a sidelong movement, and a small square
spot at the foot of the companion ladder for a
table, at which about six persons could sit with
elbows touching. Where to lie down to sleep was
12
116 Karly Recollections of Jamaica.
a question which puzzled me and several others.
At length we were obliged to stow ourselves away,
in a compact row, on the hard and uneven surface
of brass-bound trunks, portmanteaus, and bundles
of every size and shape.
The first night passed in misery beyond the
powers of description ; but we soon became accus-
tomed to almost any cutward inconvenience. Hav-
ing wriggled my weary body between two trunks,
with the aid of a friendly bundle, of rather softer
composition than the others, [ managed in future
to sleep soundly.
There was but little room on deck for exercise,
frequently being obliged, when the desire for loco-
motion became general, to follow each other’s
heels, locked up in the order, and with the pre-
cision of step observed by soldiers marching in
close column.
The middies and I kept our muscles in play by
running about the rigging; and the days passed
away pleasantly enough, enlivened by humourous
sallies, and the practical jokes of which sailors
are fond.
The life of our party was an Irish captain,
named Flynn—a very Falstaff in appearance.
He was constantly suggesting some sc’eme of
mischief to the youngsters.
The other merchant captain was of more staid
and sober deportment; perfectly good natured,
thers,
away,
burface
bundles
d the
accus-
. Hav-
runks,
r softer
future
ercise,
or loco-
other’s
he pre-
hing in
lay by
passed
1ourous
sailors
aptain,
arance.
same of
e staid
atured,
Early Recolleet ji J nar a, 117
but of a somewhat selfish (ny ». He had bronght
on board a cask of apples, of a pecu fine
quality, large and rosy. This was lashec to th
bulwarks, under the main rigging.
One morning, going to his treasure, as_ he
thought quite unobserved by the boys, he cau-
tiously raised the head of the cask, inserted his
hand, and drawing forth an apple, began to eat it
with much satisfaction. ‘Two or three of the mid-
shipmen were in an instant at his elbow, on whom
he cast an uneasy and suspicious look; again he
thrust in his hand, hastily drew forth several ap-
ples in succession, deposited them in his capacious
pockets, carefully fastened the cask, and walked
away, without inviting them to partake of the
treat.
“What a greedy old beggar,” said one, in a
tone of disappointment. Flynn had observed the
proceeding trom the opposite side of the deck ;
calling the youths to him, he asked, ‘ Did he not
offer either of you an apple?” “No,” said they,
“he munched one before our faces, stuffed the
others into his pockets, and marched away with
them.” ‘“ Well,” said Flynn, “it really was too
bad. It will serve him right to take a few. Be-
sides, the poor old man may injure himself by
eating too many, if no one helps him. If you
would like to give him your assistance, I know
how to get at them; quite by accident you know.”
nn
See SS
See Se
Te pa ge a eS
TES Oe a ES dad
118 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
“O do tell us,” they all cried. “Its the easiest
thing in life, barring my weight, for I am a heavy
lump to be sure; but maybe a lighter man would
not do the business so well. Do you think you
could lift me?’ “ We'll try,” said the boys.
“Aye, so you shall. Tl walk over to the other
side, and you'll try if you can manage to lift me,
that’s all.”
Laying hold of the rigging, as if to prevent
himself from being thrown down by the boys,
who were clinging to his legs, he materially aided
their efforts. When by these joint exertions he
was raised a few inches above the cask, he cried
out, as if in alarm, “ Let me go, ye villains! let
me go!” They instantly obeyed. Down he came
upon the head of the cask, which was driven in,
and in a few seconds apples were rolling about the
decks by dozens.
The proprietor bore his loss with equanimity,
but carefully removed the residue to a safer place.
The merchant seamen being aware that the fleet
on the American station was short of hands, very
naturally expected to be pressed on their arrival
at Halifax. <A spirit of insubordination increased
among them, which might have produced most
serious results, had it not met with a timely check.
The master’s mate, providentially, overheard the
ringleaders arranging a plan for seizing the schooner
and running her on shore, that they might escape
asiest
heavy
would
k you
boys.
other
ift me,
revent
boys,
y aided
ons he
e cried
ns ! let
e came
ven in,
out the
nimity,
r place.
he fleet
8, very
arrival
creased
1 most
check.
ird the
hooner
escape
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 119
into the United States. ‘The American crew and
the passengers were to be thrown overboard if
they resisted, and the rush was to be made in the
middle watch that very night.
Captain Lawrence ordered every English sailor
below, except the ten man of war’s men; these
were summoned aft and addressed by their com-
mander, who told them it was their duty to obey
him at that time, as if they were on board their
former vessel, and called upon them to assist the
crew and passengers in preventing the evil inten-
tions of the mutineers. One of these men, having
been convicted of fomenting the plot, was imme-
diately placed in irons.
Thus a party, consisting of about thirty-five,
including the youngsters, had the arduous task of
keeping at least 120 ruffians in subjection; which
could only be effected by determined resolution,
and vigilant care.
We were all armed, and divided into two
watches. Handspikes and every other implement
likely to prove dangerous in the hands of the
malcontents, were brought aft; sentries were placed
ou each side of the main hatch, day and night,
with orders to permit no more than one person at
a time to come on deck, on any pretence. Often,
when in my turn, [ was stationed at this important
post, a crowd would assemble at the foot of the
Jadder, and seem determined to force their way ;
oe ae
2. Fae eget aiseieeese
.
ee
ST a =
ea
120 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
as often was my pistol cocked, with a declaration
that I would shoot the first that dared to advance.
Matters remained in this state for a day or two,
when there was a cry below that the schooner had
sprung a leak, was filling fast, and likely to go
down. Nor was it altogether a false alarm.
The mutineers had bored a hole through the
bottom, expecting it would induce the captain to
run for the coast, and thus facilitate their escape.
He ordered the hatches to be battened down, say-
ing with a loud voice to those below, “ Now, my
lads, understand me; ii not going to be trifled
with. You who have made the leak can stop it
when you please; until you do so, and we have
pumped her clear, the hatches shall remain on.
If it does not stop, we on deck have nothing to
fear; there are plenty of boats for owr safety, and
[ll take good care that you all go to Davy’s locker,
as you deserve.”
In vain they protested to be ignorant of the
cause, declared that some plank had started, and
pretended the greatest alarm. The hatches were
firmly secured; the pumps were manned, and
after several hours hard work, the schooner was
cleared, and the leak effectually stopped.
The weather was fortunately, in general, fine
and mild, but an occasional pelting shower at
night rendered the service very trying. I was
sometimes obliged to turn in wet to the skin, with-
ration
vance.
br two,
er had
to go
bh the
ain to
escape,
n, say-
bw, my
trifled
stop it
e have
ain on.
hing to
ty, and
locker,
of the
d, and
S were
|, and
or was
l, fine
rer at
[ was
with-
Early Recollections 6f Jamaica. 121
out the possibility of changing clothes, a comfort
which I had seldom the luxury to enjoy. Here I
cannot help mentioning an incident which made a
serious impression on my youthful mind.
The medical man, to whom I have referred in
the list of passengers, was a person of superior
literary attainments, but of infidel opinions, and
a zealous promoter of the blasphemies of Tom
Paine.
He selected me for his victim, and embraced
every opportunity of private conversation to pour in
the specious poison. Thank God, I had an anti-
dote within, which effectually protected my mind
from the baneful effects of his dangerous insinua-
tions. I had indeed heard of such characters, but
had never met with one, and, until then, | was
half inclined to doubt their reality.
He began his attack with great caution and
subtlety; and as [ listened in amazement, he would
extol me for liberality and candour. At length,
conceiving my mind to be sufficiently prepared to
receive the full declaration of his opinions, he
lamented most pathetically that an ingenuous
youth, whose mind was capable of pursuing the
dictates of reason, which alone could lead to truth,
should be kept under the thraldom of designing
priestcraft and early prepossessions. or his part,
he had long risen above the influence of vulgar
prejudices, and did not believe in the existence of
a God.
122 harly Recollections of Jamaica.
Y
“From whence proceed,” said I, “the wonderful
works around us? That glorious sun, the mighty
deep, the moon and stars, the hosts of animals
and birds and fishes, the various tribes of men,
the trees and plants, and insects innumerable ?”—
“ Stop,” he replied, ‘“‘ you are too hasty ; I do not
deny that there is a first cause.” “ Knough,” I
cried, disgusted and horrified at his blasphemy.
“That Great First Cause is God, the Creator, Pre-
server, and Redeemer! And now, Dr. I
request you will never again broach the subject ;
keep these horrible opinions to yourself.”
An incident occurred soon after this, which
powerfully tended to confirm my faith, and, I
trust, to shake the Doctor’s confidence, if in
reality he ever felt any. At the first alarm of the
leak above mentioned, the water poured in so
copiously, that the men below declared they were
nearly up to their knees. ‘The suddenness and
apparent imminence of the danger, induced the
captain to order preparations for hoisting out the
boats. When the panie was at its height, the
doctor was standing at the gangway. Iwas struck
with the awful expression on his countenance. [
could not refrain from tapping him on the shoul-
der, and saying, “ What think you now? The
fallacy of your boasted reason may be proved
sooner than you expected!” He thrust me im-
patiently from him with a look of terror, but made
no reply.
derful
ighty
nimals
men,
le ?°—
do not
gh,” I
bhemy.
*, Pre-
I
bject ;
which
nd, I
if in
of the
in so
y were
ss and
d the
ut the
t, the
struck
ce. I
shoul-
The
roved
ie im-
made
Early Recollections of Jamaica. . = 128
When the danger had passed, I resumed the
subject with him in private. ‘* You have always,”
said I, “expressed your admiration of my can-
dour. Be equally candid yourself. Pray do tell
me what caused you to shew more fear at the
prospect of death than most of those around you?
According to your oft declared opinions, you have
nothing to dread hereafter. Tell me, then, sin-
cerely, what was it that appeared to fill you with
such horror?” ‘ Why,” said he, “‘ you must allow
that to sink into annihilation was a dreadful anti-
cipation!” ‘No, no,” I replied, “you must ex-
cuse me for saying I cannot believe that was the
cause of your fear. You know that you feared
there might be an hereafter, and a judgment to
come! Your conduct was an irresistible confirma-
tion of my belief.”
Mrs. often lamented the sceptical opinions
of her miserable husband, and told me that his
pertinacity in maintaining them had involved both
in much trouble, and destroyed his professional
success. He had left London a year or two before,
and repaired to New York, which he regarded as
the land of freedom, where he hoped to find a host
of congenial spirits, a competent provision, and
professional fame.
To the honour of America and his own disap-
pointment, Atheism proved to be as unpalatable
there as it was in the mother country. Driven by
necessity he was going to Halifax, where army
eee ene =
124 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
surgeons were in request, in the hope of being
commissioned to some regiment, in which, happily»
for his poor wife, he succeeded.
Many years after these occurrences, on a small
island in the Southern hemisphere, being in con-
versation with a military surgeon, who had served
in Nova Scotia, I inquired if he had ever met
with Dr. “QO yes,” said he, “I killed him.”
In explanation of this strange reply, he gave me
the following account :—
The doctor had been seized with apoplectic or
paralytic symptoms; this surgeon had bled him
profusely ; the miserable patient partially re-
covered. Overwhelmed by a horrible dread of
death, he insisted on losing more blood; to this
the surgeon objected. The doctor requested him
to call in others for their opinion; they yielded
to his wish. The person who gave me this infor-
mation was obliged to bleed him, contrary to his
judgment, and the unhappy sceptic died under the
operation. My informant also said, he had never
seen in any patient such a dread of death.
AEA LAE AAA EERE ARN
’ being
uppilys
. small
1 con-
served
r met
him.”
ve me
‘tie or
1 him
y re-
ad of
0 this
| him
elded
infor-
0 his
r the
lever
CHAPTER XIV.
Miss rHE Hatirax Licgurt—Tur Lonety Harsour—A
Visit to THE Suore—DeserteD Faru—-Tue Op
JRisHMaN AND Famiry—Procreep to Hatrrax—Em-
BARK FOR HiNGLAND.
We very provokingly missed the Halifax light in
the night, and the mistake was not discovered until
we had run many miles beyond the mark. To
retrace our course was, for the present, imprac-
ticable, the wind being dead against us. At the
recommendation of the pilot, who was well ac-
quainted with the coast, Captain Lawrence made
for a small but safe harbour in the neighbourhood,
in which he determined to anchor, and wait for a
change of wind. Having entered through a nar-
row channel into a snug little bay, completely
shut in by the land, which was thickly covered
with stunted oaks and various smaller bushes, we
brought up about a hundred yards from the beach,
and were delighted to behold a substantial-looking
farm-house standing on a gentle elevation, about
126 Karly Recollections of Jamaied.
the same distance from the water; smoke was is-
suing from a tall chimney. The captain proposed
to enter into a negotiation with its tenants, for a
supply of milk, butter, poultry, eggs, &e., as our
own stock was nearly expended, and we dreaded
the necessity of falling back upon Yankee pork
and hard biscuit. To accomplish this desirable ob-
ject he and I, with several others, pulled a-shore.
On reaching the house, we found it void of in-
habitants, though exhibiting every proof of having
been very recently occupied; such as a good fire
blazing on the hearth, with a kettle of water at
the boiling-point singing by its side. In vain did
we exert our lungs and rap at the doors of the
various rooms, not a sound was heard in reply ;
one of the party outside came in to tell us he had
seen aman at the skirts of a wood no great dis-
tance off, peeping at us through the bushes: we
walked towards the spot. By dint of loud and
oft-repeated assurances that we were friends, he
at length emerged from his hiding-place, and ad-
vanced to meet us, encouraged by having observed
that we were unarmed.
He had a very Crusoe-like appearance; his
garments having lost all their original colour, and
much of their pristine cut, were patched from end
to end with cloth of different textures, and hues
as various as might be seen ina tailor’s book of
patterns.
Was IS-
roposed
ts, for a
, as our
dreaded
ee pork
able ob-
a-shore.
d of in-
P having
ood fire
vater at
vain did
3 of the
. reply ;
jhe had
‘eat dis-
hes: we
oud and
nds, he
and ad-
observed
wwe; his
our, and
‘rom end
ind hues
book of
Karly Recollections of Jamuica. 127
He drew near with considerable hesitation, but
was soon assured by the account we gave of the
cause of our sudden arrival in his port.
Being convinced of our pacific character, he
suddenly turned towards the wood, and called out
in a rich Irish brogue, ‘‘Come here me jewel !
Come here every mother’s sonof ye! Sure they’re
frinds.” Out stepped a rosy-cheeked buxom lass
of eighteen, followed by her mother, a good look-
ing woman of about forty, and two or three
younger children. The mother gave evident signs
that the family circle would shortly be increased.
A privateer had recently pillaged a farm upon
the coast, and treated the owners with consider-
able cruelty ; which led these poor people at first
to suspect we were enemies of the same class.
The man was probably sixty, a fine, hearty old
fellow, with a thick head of curly grey hair, about
five feet ten high, and stoutly made.
Much to his regret he had nothing to offer us
but coarse bread and a rasher of bacon; to which
he assured us we should be mighty welcome, and
the pure eleinent to quench our thirst. We de.
clined his hospitality, except the spring water,
which, after the fetid liquid mis- alled fresh water
on board of the schooner, we found very grateful.
He said that he had not tasted whisky or beer
for a month; but was daily expecting a supply
128 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
from Halifax, which he hoped might arrive before
we left the harbour, and give him the pleasure of
entertaining us more hospitably.
This was, perhaps, thrown out as a hint, which
our good-natured captain was not slow in taking.
We returned on board to dinner, and imme-
diately afterwards paid another and more welcome
visit to the shore, taking with us an ample supply
of rum, sugar, biscuit, and salt beef; one of the
party carried his flute, and it was proposed to
spend a merry evening with the old Irishman’s
family. He danced reels himself, and made his
wife and daughter foot it as long as they could
stand.
For nearly a week this was our amusement
every evening.
I tried in vain to learn something of his history.
Although naturally communicative, on this subject
he was silent and impracticable; we could not
even learn his real name, and I forget the one he
had assumed. It surprised me to find amongst
his books Homer and Virgil, both of which he
read. On my observing that he was educated
much above his present sphere, as he closed the
book he replied in a subdued and melancholy tone
“Aye, it’s true enough as ye say, I was not al-
ways bred to this.”
The wind became fair during the night, and at
day-break we weighed and stood to sea.
e before
asure of
t, Which
taking.
1 imme-
welcome
> supply
> of the
yosed to
shman’s
ade his
ry could
usement
history.
s subject
uld not
e one he
amongst
hich he
r>ducated
bsed the
oly tone
s not al-
and at
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 129
The old man, sorry to lose our company, as
goon as he heard the noise of the windlass, shoved
off in a crazy boat, so small that it appeared to
be in danger of swamping with his weight. But
he was too late to reach us; wind and tide, es-
pecially when wafting a clipper schooner, will
wait for no man; and I saw the poor fellow, after
along and useless struggle to overtake us, turn
back in despair.
Two or three days brought us in safety to Hali-
fax. I found a merchant willing to advance a
trifling sum, which enabled me to pay Captain
Lawrence my share of the mess. We parted on
the kindest terms, with mutual expressions of an
earnest desire to meet again.
Seventeen years afterwards, in a far distant
land, a merchant of my acquaintance came to his
door as J was riding past, and urged me to dis-
mount and wait for half an hour until the moon
should rise, as the nights were then unusually
dark, and I had three miles of difficult and dan-
gerous road to travel. His servant took my horse,
and I entered the house. In addition to the mem-
bers of his family, I found two or three strangers
of the party; which had I previously known,
would, perhaps, have induced me te decline his
invitation. In the confusion of finding myself so
unexpectedly in a room full of people, I did not
catch the names of the persons to whom the mas-
K
130 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
ter introduced me. I had not been seated lone
when I discovered one to be an American, lately
from New York. Being always interested in news
from a place in which a short but most eventful
period of my life had passed, I listened with at-
tention to all that fell from him. He had just said
the thermometer was 86 at New York when he
left. I remarked it was somewhat lower when I
left. ‘ Were you ever in New York, sir?” said
he. On replying in the affirmative, he continued,
“May Task in what year?” ‘At the latter end
of 1812.” “ Why that was during the war?”
“Yes; I was taken by one of your privateers,
and carried there much against my will.” ‘ May
I ask if you went direct to England from New
York?” ‘No, I went in a Cartel schooner to
Halifax.” Up he jumped, exclaiming, ‘There
was but one during the whole war, that was the
‘Jane Maria,’ [ commanded her;” and, seizing
my hand, said, “How do you do, Mr, ———.”
It was, indeed, very gratifying to mect him again.
He sailed two or three days after, and to testify
my remembrane of his former kindness, as he
was expected to return with a cargo for my mer-
eantile friend, I gave him a large commission to
execute forme. But I regret to say we never met
again. I learned subsequently, that on his arrival
at home he found his wife dead, or dying, end he
followed her a few weeks after.
ed lone
, lately
in news
eventful
vith at-
ust said
rhen he
-when I
yr?” said
ntinned,
tter end
2 war?”
ivateers,
** May
om New
poner to
‘‘ There
was the
|, seizing
im again.
to testify
ss, as he
my mer-
lission to
iever met
lis arrival
y, ond he
9
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 131
A month or six weeks elapsed before any chance
occurred for reaching England. At length a day
was fixed for the sailing of the Asia, line of battle
ship, with Admiral Sawyer, who had just been
relieved by Sir J. B. Warren. <A large transport
and two or three other vessels were to take ad-
vantage of her convoy. An application to the
Admiral procured me an order for a passage in the
transport, in virtue of my being an exchanged
prisoner. My old messmate, Flynn, and I had
boarded in the same house at Halifax, and were
to be shipmates on the passage home. Before em-
barking I was obliged to recruit my wardrobe
considerably, which nearly swallowed up the small
balance in my purse, and the last cenpaning dollar
was spent in the purchase of potatoes for a sea-
stock, the only delicacy we took on board. Having
nothing to depend upon but the ship’s beef, pork,
and biseuit, with the usual allowance of rum, we
considered ourselves fortunate in being able to lay
in a store or this wholesome esculent, and agreed
to perform the office of cook by daily turns. The
ship was of considerable tonnage, and the aecom-
modation spacious. Our party, to whom the great
eabin was appropriated, consisted of nine; three
subaltern officers, one having his wife with him,
three merchant captams, beside Flyyn and my-
self. A move unpleasant set [ never mot with,
with the exception of one of the captains, my
K 2
132 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
old shipmate, and a poor ensign in an advanced
stage of consumption: the others were vulgar,
overbearing, and impracticable. We very soon
found it impossible to hold any intercourse with
them; and notwithstanding the greatest circum-
spection, were in constant hot water. The cap-
tain of the ship was a quiet, inoffensive person ;
but with him we had little intercourse. There
was also an old lieutenant of the navy on board,
as agent for transports ; prudence forbade his as-
sociating familiarly with the cabin passengers. He
had seen much service, was a gentlemanly, plea-
sant man; occasionally overhearing the annoyances
to which I was exposed by the bearish conduct of
some of the set, he gave me many a useful hint
for the regulation of my conduct.
lvanced
vulgar,
ry soon
rse with
circum-
he cap-
person ;
There
1 board,
his as-
ers. He
ly, plea-
loyances
nduct of
ful hint
CHAPTER XV.
ee ee
SIGNAL FOR A SurGeoN—Deata on Boarnp—Cop Fisu-
inc—Parr rrom THE Convoy—F arse ALrArM—TuE
Senrisa Mess—Porators ano Pork — Dirricutty
AND DANGER oF GETTING Dinner.—Tuez Unrortvu-
NATE Tea Kertne—Fuynn’s Mat Practrices—Tar
Lost Quarter oF Beer—Tue Invatinp—Tue Bar-
BER IN DisGRace.
We had sailed but a few days when the captain,
whom I have mentioned as an exception to the
others, showed symptoms of indisposition, which
gradually increased, until it became necessary to
make a signal to the man-of-war for a surgeon.
One was promptly sent, and proved to be our
former messmate on board of the “ Jane-Maria.”
He pronounced the case to be a highly infectious
fever; and urged the propriety of having the pa-
tient removed from the cabin. A place was pre-
pared for him forward; I engaged to see the
prescriptions duly administered, and to apply a
134 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
blister to his head. All the directions were strictly
followed ; but the disease was too far advanced to
give any hope of recovery. On the second day
after the surgeon’s visit, hisremains were consigned
to the deep.
The wind being light and the sea smooth, the
captain ordered some deep sea-lines to be prepared
for fishing. Flynn and I joined in the sport, and
derived both amusement and profit from the em-
ployment. In the course of half an hour more
fish were caught than the whole of the ship’s com-
pany could have consumed in many days. Half-
a-dozen hooks baited with pork, or even witha
bit of rag, were fastened to the line, the lowest
of them ten or twelve feet from the heavy lead at
the end of it. It was lowered away until the lead
touched the sand, moved gently up and down for
a few seconds: when a slight tremulous motion
was felt, it was hauled up with two or three fine
cod-fish hooked. ‘Then came the odour of fried
fish and onions; which, grateful enough at the first,
from its variety, soon became a most serious nui-
sance to the whole ship. For many days the
smell of fish was intolerable; the lower rigging
being hung with rows of cod spread open to dry.
The breeze began to freshen, loaded with a
thick and driving mist, and soon increased to a
very serious gale. Top-sails were close reefed,
top gallant-masts struck, and everything made
strictly
need to
nd day
nsigned
bth, the
prepared
prt, and
the em-
r more
p's com-
Half-
with a
e lowest
7 lead at
the lead
lown for
; motion
hree fine
of tried
the first,
ous nui-
lays the
t rigging
to dry.
with a
ed to a
. reefed,
g made
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 135
snug. Transports, in those days, were not the
most eligible class of vessels for safe conveyance ;
they were generally of a certain age, roomy, and
affording good accommodation ; but often ill-found
and half rotten. The creaking of bulk-heads, and
the melancholy sound of the chain-pumps inces-
santly going, rendered sleep impossible, and filled
the mind with gloomy apprehensions. We were
soon left to ourselves. When the weather mo-
derated, a few invalid soldiers, one having lost an
arm, another a leg, were exercised with the sea-
men at the guns, to prepare for a privateer ; which
it was by no means improbable we might encoun-
ter. Should such a contingency arise, the result
must evidently prove another trip, if not to New
York, to Baltimore or Boston, or some other
American port, which I heartily deprecated. It
was not long before the appearance of a small
vessel called all hands to quarters; an invalid
with one arm shouldered his musket, and
showed us how he could manage to use it almost
ag well as ever. Hiverybody appeared to be in the
highest spirits. The adjutant trod the deck in
uniform, and drilled his miserable squad of sickly
men; one of the merchant-captains requested me
to join him at the sternmost gun, whispering in
my ear, and giving at the same time a most know-
ing wink, ‘‘ I assure you it’s the safest place.” As “a
burnt child,” according to the old adage, ‘ dreads
ee
Sa are oe a ST
—— a a ee ee
ee ee,
136 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
the fire,’ so did past experience make me dread
the second edition of a Yankee privateer. Hap-
pily the suspicious stranger pursued her course
without evincing the least desire to make our ac-
quaintance, and my mind was soon relieved from
all unpleasant apprehensions.
Two of our fellow-passengers had an ample
supply of fresh beef hanging at the stern; about
twice a week they were able to rejoice in a tempt-
ing roast, with brown potatoes swimming in the
fat. We dined in separate parties, each selecting
a favourite spot. The fresh meat gentlemen would
spread a cloth on the table, with all the addita-
ments of salt-cellar, mustard-pot, and vinegar-
cruet: Flynn and I were content to sneak from
observation into a secluded corner, with a large
round wooden bow! filled with smoking potatoes
with their jackets on, crowned with a modicum
of salt beef or pork. We had in turns to draw
up a bucket of water, wash the potatoes, elbow
the invalids round the cook’s fire, fight for a place
to put our kettle on, watch them carefully till
boiled, apply to the cook for our ration of meat,
and having transferred the whole into a wooden
bowl (lent to us as a great favour, at the price of
an occasional glass of grog), to carry it to the
cabin. The performance of this indispensable ‘aty
was always sufficiently unpleasant, often difficult
and hazardous. When going nine knots, for in-
e dread
Hap-
course
our ac-
ed from
ample
; about
tempt-
in the
electing
n would
addita-
Vvinegar-
ark from
a large
potatoes
nodicum
to draw
, elbow
a place
ally till
ft meat,
wooden
price of
to the
le taty
difficult
for in-
Early Recollections of Janaica. 137
stance, there was a possibility of losing the bucket,
or of being pulled overboard; and in wet and
windy weather, a sprawl on the slippery deck, or
a tumble down the companion-ladder, was with
difficulty avoided. On the occurrence of such si-
nister events, our companions were immoderately
facetious; and so bearish withal, that Flynn’s
Irish blood would boil, and vent its fervour in no
very mild expressions. This feeling arose at last
to inveterate hatred, which I feared would some
day end in his bestowing upon the most obnoxious
of them a hearty drubbing. Although their evi-
dent want of spirit prevented this method of in-
fliction, he wreaked his vengeance, I am sorry to
say, in other and more unjustifiable ways. On
one occasion he politely requested the loan of their
tea-kettle, which was rudely refused. A few
days after, it was missing, and they threw out
dark insinuations that some disreputable person
must have thrown it overboard. Flynn, at this
time guiltless, declared that he would knock any
man down that accused him of such an act. He
happened that evening, very unfortunately, to
stumble over the said kettle in the dark, and
seizing it in a rage, overboard it went. One Sa-
turday evening he saw them gloating over their
last remaining quarter of beef, in anxious debate
how they should cut the piece for the next day’s
dinner. He heard them defer the operation until
138 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
the morning. That night the rope that secured it
was cut unseen, and, with a heavy plunge, the
meat descended to the sharks.
I had devoted myself very much from the com-
mencement of our passage to the consumptive en-
sign. It employed my time to minister to his
comfort ; my services became every day more ac-
ceptable to him, and more necessary. He lived
exclusively on arrow-root, sago, tapioca, and pre-
served milk, with which he was well provided.
But his only attendant being a clumsy, drunken
invalid soldier, his messes were dirtily and ill-
prepared. I saw the painful difficulty, and volun-
teered to take the office of nurse and cook, if he
would permit me. This was at first politely re-
fused. I was not to be so easily repulsed. Ac-
companying the servant to the forecastle, I insisted
on preparing his master’s meal. To my delight it
was taken with satisfaction, and, in my hearing,
the man was commended for his skill. After two
or three tricks of this kind, it was discovered that
I had been the cook; after which I was duly in-
stalled in my new office, and was allowed full
liberty to practice the culinary art openly.
In the midst of much hardship, privation, and
misery, I here found a source of interest and
comiort.
My patient soon began to assume a tone of ab-
solute authority over my every movement.
ured it
ige, the
he com-
ive en-
to his
ore ac-
e lived
und pre-
rovided.
Hrunken
and ill-
1 volun-
x, if he
itely re-
d. Ac-
insisted
elight it
hearing,
fter two
red that
duly in-
ved full
on, and
est and
> of ab-
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 139
I slept in a cot slung to the beams near to his
standing bed-place, and was often roused soon
after day-break by his complaining call of—* You
lazy fellow, I wish you would get up; I want my
breakfast, and you lie snoring there.” I yielded
to his sway, and did everything in my power to
soothe his sufferings, day and night: in one re-
quirement alone, I failed.
He once said, ‘‘ You seem to be able to do
everything; I want shaving: do you think you
could shave me?” “TJ know not till I try,” said
I. Having duly lathered his chin, secundum ar-
tem, after a long stretch of the arm, and a pre-
liminary flourish of the razor, I attempted to
make a scrape. The tears started to his eyes, and
he peremptorily ordered me to desist. Humbled
by the failure, and not daring to sue for leave to
try again, the instrument of torture was consigned
to its case, and the attempt abandoned, never to
be renewed.
Eee Se tie ei ee ee T qe engage
Ss,
Soe
no
CHAPTER XVI.
Coast or IRELAND—PLeEaAsant IntRODUcTION—RoMANTIC
IncipeENt—JIrisa Hospiratiry—Cove or Cork —
DeatH oF THE Invatip—NvisaNceE oF AN Intsu
WakeE—Lanp at Priymoutn Dock — ARRIVE IN
Lonpon.
We were bound to Portsmouth, but continued
contrary gales drove us on the coast of Ireland.
Not being able to reach the Cove of Cork, we
took refuge in a small haven, about a day’s sail
from that harbour.
Our arrival excited a great stir in the secluded
spot; no ship of our size had for many years
sought refuge there. <A boat full of ‘* Paddies”
was soon along side, and a remarkably fine-looking
old gentleman stepped upon deck.
Having learned from the captain that one of
the passengers was lately from Jamaica, he de-
sired to be introduced to him. I was called and
duly present. ’. Our conversation, in substance,
was as folloy .—
OMANTIC
Cork —
N. Inisuy
RRIVE IN
ntinued
Ireland.
ork, we
y’s sail
secluded
y years
addies”
-looking
_ one of
he de-
led and
bstance,
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 141
“ You are from Jamaica, I understand ?”
‘Yes, sir.”
“Do you happen to know my friend S
“We dined in company a few days before I
left.”
“ Do you know Miss W————?”
“Very intimately ; she is by this time, I should
hor ,. Bath, as she was to sail from Jamaica a
short time after I left.
“Yes, she is. My daughters and she were
schooltellows.”
« Indeed, sir.”
“Will you dine with us to-morrow at six?”
‘“‘T fear my wardrobe is too much out at elbows
to admit of my accepting your kind invitation,
otherwise it would give me great pleasure.”
* Oh, never mind trifles of that sort ; you must
come; I want to have c long talk about Jamaica
friends, with whom, strange to say, I became ac-
quainted by the same accident which has caused
our meeting. S— happened to be in a homeward-
bound West Indiaman, and was driven in here by
stress of weather; that was the commencement
of our intimacy. Say you'll come.”
‘Tf IT can possibly make a respectable appear-
ance I will dine with you.”
“That's my house among the trees. I'll tell
the porter to admit you into my grounds at your
pleasure ; you'll find some pleasant walks, and as
a
142 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
there are no others in the neighbourhood, I hope
you will use them.”
Having thanked aim for his kindness, we shook
hands at the gangway, and he descended to his
boat.
That evening, hi. -ing requested me to take
lodgings for him on shore, I accompanied the in-
valid to comfortable apartments at the village
shop.
About noon on the following day, I wished to
explore the neighbourhood, and obtained a very
reluctant leave of absence for an hour; but was
obliged to promise I would return in that time, as
I was to dine out at six.
Turning down the road leading to Col. T——’s
residence, I enterea she gate by the lodge, and
had just arrived opposite to the mansion, in front
of which the road passed, and turned rather
sharply to the left through a thick shrubbery, when
I heard the clattering of horses’ feet, as if ap-
proaching at full speed from that direction. I had
scarcely time to spring out of the way, when a
horse dashed past me without a rider, the bridle
loose and stirrups flying in all directions. I wag
about to pursue the animal, knowing that the gate
must bring him up. This intention was checked
by the sudden appearance of two young and in-
teresting ladies, who were hurrying from the house
in evident alarm as to the fate of the luckless
, I hope
ve shook
1 to his
to take
| the in-
2 village
yished to
d a very
but was
time, as
.T——’s
dge, and
in front
d rather
ry, when
us if ap-
n. Thad
, when a
he bridle
; Iwas
_ the gate
checked
y and in-
the house
luckless
Karly Recollections of Jamaica. 143
rider, whom they supposed had been thrown.
They had approached near to the spot on which
I stood fixed like a statue, when the voice of a
gentleman was heard from the top of a high and
woody eminence behind the house and a little to
the right of it, exclaiming, “ Don’t be alarmed ;
nobody is hurt; the horse was tied to a tree, and
has got loose.” One of the ladies clasped her
hands, and fell pale and fainting into her sister’s
arms. What was I todo? In an instant I ran
to the house, made my way into the kitchen,
seized a tumbler which I luckily saw, and (as I
suppose) pumped it full of water, for the next mo-
ment I found myself again in the presence of the
ladies in the act of presenting it.
The effect of the sudden fright had by this time
partially subsided; the tumbler was graciously
carried to the lips of the sufferer, a polite ac-
knowledgment accorded, a servant in livery took
the glass, and the ladies returned slowly to the
house. Having made my bow, all wish to explore
was dispelled Ly the romantic incident, and I re-
traced my steps to amuse my poor friend with the
recital of the adventure.
At the appointed time, with the aid of a bor-
rowed pair of silk stockings, I dressed myself in
tolerable style, and went to Colonel "gs, at the
dinner hour.
{ was «a little abashed by the thanks of Mrs.
~~~ and her daughters, for my poor attempt to as-
144 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
sist them in the morning; but was highly gratified
by the kind mention they were pleased to make of
the trifle, and was soon re-assured by the frank and
hospitable reception afforded by my host and all
his family. The younger son, with a clerical friend
and a Roman Catholic gentleman, made up the
party. Tor the six months previous, I had often
been compelled to herd with the refuse of society ;
always exposed to discomfort, want, and danger.
The change was overpowering; and the evening
passed in a kind of bewildered ecstacy, which I
was incapable of enjoying to the full.
The following day my table was strewed with
ecards, and invitations of all sorts followed in quick
succession. A ball was announced for some chari-
table purpose, at which my company was solicited,
and I danced to the novel music of the Irish pipes.
During the short week of my stay the attention
shown to me was beyond description, and the hos-
pitality unbounded.
The wind having beceme favourable, the Tran-
sport was prepared to weigh. That day I was
engaged to dine with the Roman Catholic gentle-
man whom I had met at Colonel ——’s. I called
upon him to say that the sailing of the ship would
prevent me from having the pleasure. He removed
the objection by promising that a fine Revenue
cutter on the station, over which he had control,
should convey me to Cove, if I missed the ship. I,
therefore, dined with him. He was a bachelor,
gratified
ymake of
rank and
t and all
cal friend
e up the
iad often
society 5
1 danger.
> evening
which I
ved with
Lin quick
me chari-
solicited,
‘ish pipes.
attention
| the hos-
he Tran-
ry I was
ic gentle-
I called
rip would
2 removed
Revenue
d control,
eship. I,
bachelor,
Early Recollections of Jamaica. 145
lived in very genteel style, and did everything in
his power to show me kindness. The desire of
overtaking the ship before she had proceeded far,
rendered my visit of shorter duration than I could
have wished, and deprived me of thoroughly enjoy-
ing his very pleasant entertainment. The time
too soon arrived for taking leave of my hospitable
friend and his other guests. They accompanied
me to the shore, where the cutter’s boat was in
waiting to convey me to the ship. Before we
parted, my host took me aside, and delicately re-
minded me that I might be detained at Cove for
several weeks; placed his purse at my disposal,
and urged me to make use of a sufficient sum to
secure my comfort until I reached London ; add-
ing, “Tf I have not as much as you require, the
captain of the cutter has plenty. I beg you will
name any sum, and I will get it for you in an in-
stant.” I aecepted a trifling loan (which was
returned from London), and, parting with the ex-
pression of every good wish, I once more resumed
the uncomfortable cabin and vulgar society of the
Transport.
Mrs. —— had, with the greatest kindness and
consideration for my sick friend, sent on board a
liberal supply of poultry, preserves, &c. They
were a comfort to the invalid, and saved me from
sinking at once to my humble fare of potatoes and
146 Early Recollections of Jamaica.
pork, which the last week’s luxurious feasting had
rendered doubly distasteful.
Arrived at the Cove of Cork, [ hastened to pro-
cure lodgings for the invalid, whose anxiety to
reach his friends painfully increased with each
delay. That morning his thoughts had dwelt
much on home. He told me that he was deter-
mined to leave the army, and retire to a plea-
santly-situated farm, which belonged to him;
adding, ‘“‘and you must come and live with me.”
Poor youth! while he was thus reckoning on
years to come, his very moments were numbered.
That afternoon, during the short pull from the
ship to the landing place, a sudden and fatal
change took place, and he with difficulty reached
the lodging.
The apartments were up stairs. The front room
being spacious and airy, he expressed a wish to
rest himself on a mattrass spread upon the floor.
When this was ready, and I was assisting him to
recline, death seized upon his victim; and in my
arms he gently breathed his last.
No sooner was the circumstance known in the
neighbourhood (and the news seemed to fly upon
the wind) than I was beset with women old and
young, in dozens, wailing and howling in the most
approved Irish fashion. Vain was every attempt
to get rid of this insufferable nuisance. In time,
Ling had
| to pro-
ciety to
ith each
d dwelt
is deter-
a plea-
o him;
ith me.”
ning on
inbered.
rom the
nd fatal
reached
ont room
wish to
he floor.
> him to
l in my
1 in the
fly upon
old and
he most
attempt
In time,
Larly Recollections of Jamaica. 147
however, and by dint of no very gentle means
oecasionaly, [ managed to eject all but six or
eight, who, with the utmost assurance, were seated
at a small round table, which they had drawn close
to the fire, and were passing their snuff boxes very
/
sociably, waiting for whisky to console their mer-
cenary grief.
That night I passed on the mattrass by the
corpse.
When the first feelings of disgust had subsided,
my attention was occasionally diverted by the
novel strangeness of the women’s “onduct. So
long as they spared my ears by subduing the tones
of their wild lament, I could ind amusement in
listening to the peculiarities of their conversatien,
much of which was in Irish, and therefore per-
tectly unintelligible.
The adjutant before mentioned, took possession
of the deceased’s effects, arranged the funeral, and
the remains were committed to the earth with mi-
litary honours. T sti!) wear a mourning ring sent
tome a few weeks after I reached London, by his
brother, a clergyman in Sussex, which dates his
death January, 18138.
We left the Cove of Cork after a delay of three
or four weeks ; I hoped to reach Portsmouth, but,
as had so often been the ease, the wind again pre-
vented us from pursuing the desired course, and
obliged the cnptain to seek refuge in Plymouth.
&)
L
-—
148 Early Recollections of Jamacca.
Landing at the place now called Devonport, |
took a final leave of the ship. No longer at the
mercy of the winds and waves, but snugly housed
in the inside of a fast coach, I arrived in London
at the latter end of February, having sailed from
the east end of Jamaica about seven months before.
A lapse of nearly five and thirty years have
passed: I still retain a grateful recollection of
kindness shown by many to a friendless wanderer.
during that trying and eventful period of my life.
Among the most pleasing of my Irish recollections
the names of Townsend, Troy, and Urmston, are
indelibly recorded. Nor am I unmindful of higher
obligations to that Almighty Power whose Provi-
dence shielded me from so many dangers in my
days of youthful inexperience—crowned my mid-
dle age with many undeserved blessings, and en-
ables me, in the decline of life, to bend with humble
submission to His chastening rod, and to rest upon
His gracious promise that “all things shall work
together for my good.”
vonport, i
rer at the
ly housed
n London
uiled from
ths before.
ears have
lection of
wanderer,
of my life.
collections
nston, are
| of higher
se Provi-
ers In my
my mid-
3, and en-
th humble
rest upon
hall work
|
|
TRIFLES FROM ST. HELENA,
RELATING TO
NAPOLEON AND HIS SUITE.
TRIFLES, &e.
Count Montholon having expressed a wish to
see me, the governor gave the customary pass,
and I proceeded to Long Wood. We met inthe
front of the house where Napoleon resided, as did
the Count and his family, General the Baron
Gourgoud, Mr. de Las Cases, his son, and others.
Marshall Bertrand and his family were accommo-
dated in a residence which had been built expressly
for them, about a hundred yards off.
Montholon not speaking English, a conversation
in French was held between us, in substance as
follows :—
‘““{ sent for you, Mr.
Madame Montholon has presented me with a fine
little girl, LT want you to insert the birth of the
, to inform you that
child in the parish register.”
‘“fam sorry to say we do not keep a register
of births, but of baptisms.”
‘“Do you mean to say that you cannot register
/ 5
the birth, unless you baptize the child ”
152 Trifics from St. Helena.
‘Yes; our’s is a baptismal register, and I do
not see how I can insert your child’s name therein
without having previously baptized her. I am
really sorry not to be able to oblige you. Do not
mistake me, however; I have no wish to baptize
the child; I simply state the fact.”
‘‘This is very unfortunate. How shall I be able
to prove the legitimacy of my child at some fu-
ture day ?”
“Tf that be your only object, I can see no great
difficulty in the matter. In your peculiar situation,
you have only to send a written statement of par-
ticulars, witnessed by the accoucheur and others,
to the Governor’s Secretary, or to the Colonial
Secretary, by either of whom it will be officially
registered, and their certificate will suffice to prove
the fact you wish to record.
“Ahno! again no! [ll tell you. It must be
written in a parish register,”
“Jam very sorry. Had I known the purpose
for which you desired to see me, before I left the
town, I might have consulted with my colleague
on the subject, although I am persuaded he would
think with me, that it cannot be done with pro-
priety.”
“ Would you object to baptize the child ?”
“Certainly not, if Madame and you wished it.”
“But if you baptize her she will be a Pro-
testant.”
ind I doe
2 therein
I am
Do not
baptize
| be able
come fu-
no great
ituation,
t of par-
| others,
Colonial
officially
to prove
must be
purpose
left the
olleague
.e would
ith pro-
Q””
shed it.”
a Pro-
Trifles from St. Helena. 153
“That does not follow. If I had to bring up
the child, she would most assuredly be instructed
in the faith of the Church of England. Madame
and you will, as certainly, educate her in the tenets
of the Church of Pome; my baptizing her could
not affect her future belief.”
‘“Ah yes; she would inevitably be a Pro
testant.”
‘“ Well, I can only again express my regret, and
recommend you to have the birth certified as I
have suggested, and the memorandum forwarded
to the Governor, or the Colonial Secretary, with a
request that it may be recorded in the most official
manner.”
Having bowed to Montholon, and haled the
man who was tending my horse, I was in the
act of mounting, when the Count called to me,
saying—
‘“Stop a moment—let me speak to you again.”
I turned towards him. He requested me to wait
until he should learn the Emperor’s opinion on the
knotty point.
Having kept me pacing up and down for a good
half hour, he returned and accosted me with a
mournful countenance and emphatic shrug, saying,
“Ah well, it is as I thought. I was quite right.
The Emperor is of opinion that if you baptize the
child, she will be a Protestant.” I smiled and re-
plied, ‘“‘ The Emperor is a skilful general, possesses
|
|
|
154 Trifles from St. Helena.
immense information, no doubt, and transcendent
talents; but in this case excuse me if I venture to
say, I think he is mistaken. He has not given
his mind to the consideration of such matters. I
am sorry my visit has proved so unsatisfactory to
you. Good morning Count.”
I was again preparing to start, but before I
could mount he recalled me a second time, and
asked if I would baptize the child. I replied, “if
Madame and you desire it 1 can have no objection.”
‘Well then,” said he, “come in and do it: we
will hear what Madame says.”
I was ushered into the Countess’ bed chamber.
She received me very graciously, and begged to
see the prayers which [ proposed te use. She
understood Hnglish perfectly, although she did not
speak it.
Having read them over attentively, she ex-
claimed, with much apparent satisfaction, * Why,
they are the same as in our church. I can make
no objection to them. Have the goodness to bap-
tize this little girl for us.”
Having expressed my willingness, but refused to
mix salt with the water, which the fille de cham-
bre in attendance proffered me, [ baptized the
young lady, according to the form for the private
baptism of infants.
Madame was a lively and agreeable person, with
whom I chatted whilst Montholon was carefully
iscendent
enture to
lot given
itters. |
actory to
before I
ime, and
plied, ‘if
jection.”
oit: we
sehamber.
eged to
se. She
» did not
she ex-
“Why,
wu make
to bap-
fused to
> cham-
red the
private
bn, with
refully
Trifles from St. Helena. 155
preparing & memorandum, that I might insert the
names correctly in the parish register.
The room was on the ground floor ; two good
sized windows opened into a garden, much fre-
quented by Napoleon, the glare of light being
excluded by Venetians inside. Hearing a bustle
outside, the Count rose, and peeping through the
blinds to ascertain the cause of the noise, sud-
denly exclaimed, ‘ Voila ’Empereur.” ‘* Where
is he ® said I, always glad to get a view of him.
“There he is,” he replied, ‘‘in the garden, close
tous.” I began to feast my eyes on this interest-
ing personage, by stealthily looking through the
blind. ‘To my amazement, Montholon drew it up,
telling me that I need not fear to look at him
openly, as he knew [ was there and would not be
offended. *ortified by this assurance, I ventured,
though still with some degree of hesitation, to look
through the window, and saw the strangest sight,
and one of more absorbing interest, than any thing
[ had ever beheld.
Some Chinese labourers, bending under the
weight of a huge deal case clamped with iron, and
suspended by ropes to thick bamboo poles, which
rested on their shoulders, were in the act of setting
down the ponderous load.
Napoleon, Las Cases, and others, were standing
round it. My eyes were rivetted on the Emperor,
156 Trifies from St. Helena.
who appeared very impatient to arrive at the con-
tents. Hammer and chisel were soon at work.
The case, being quickly opened, revealed a heap of
long loose shreds of paper, such as are used in
packing books. It contained, in fact, a pre-
sent for Napoleon’s library, of handsomely bound
volumes, sent by the Prince Regent.
When the rubbish on the top had been thrown
aside, the books were drawn forth, the wrapper
torn off from each, and the volumes in succession
presented to Napoleon. He cast a rapid glance
on every book; as some distasteful tome appeared,
he snatched it from the bearer, and with an impetu-
ous “Bah!” sent it sliding in the dirt. The more
approved productions were greeted with an ex-
pression of satisfaction; and carefully consigned
to baskets, which the attendants held to receive
them. He himself was very busy in tearing off
the envelopes, and in a short time was up to the
knees in paper. At length, the baskets being
filled, were taken to his apartment; to my regret
he followed them, and the interesting scene, which
lasted for about twenty minutes, was at an end.
After making my apologies to Madame for the
unconscionable length of my visit, (for to tell the
truth, the lady and her delicate situation had been
all the while forgotten,) I made my bow; and
having accepted Montholon’s invitation to a “de-
he con-
, work.
heap of
ised in
a pre-
bound
thrown
yrapper
cession
glance
peared,
mpetu-
e more
an ex-
sloned
receive
ing off
to the
being
regret
which
nd.
for the
ell the
d been
; and
7 66 de-
Trifles from St. Helena. 157
jeuner a la fourchette,” I accompanied him to a
kind of table @hoéte, round which all the suite,
except Bertrand, were assembled.
A chair was offered to me next to Las Cases;
as [ had reason to suppose from the sequel, in order
to give him an opportunity of conversing with me
on a particular subject.
He had resided in England for several years,
and spoke English fluently. During the course of
the breakfast he commenced his conversation thus:
Mr. , all men, you know, have their religion;
we have ours; and yet, we are deprived of almost
all its comforts and consolations; certainly, of all
its outward observances and the spiritual direction
of its Ministers. Now, I appeal to you, as a man
of God! Do you not think it right and necessary
that we should have a Priest of our Church, to re-
side amongst us.
T replied that I thought it natural and reasonable
for them to feel such a desire; but that I was sur-
prised to hear it expressed, because I understood
that a Priest had offered to accompany them from
Madeira, when they touched at that Island on the
passage out; and that one of them had replied, “I
want no Priest, get me a good cook.”* I was
very glad they had changed their sentiments.
The rest of the party not understanding our con-
versation, Las Cases explained it to them; upon
4 Attributed to Napoleon.
|
{
|
j
|
/
ett
_
158 Trifles from St. Helena.
which they all began to vociferate—who could
have invented such a falsehood? Not one of us
would be guilty of such impropriety. We all
desire to have a Priest, and we shall not be happy
till we have one. ‘* Well,” said I, ‘‘such a reason-
able request I am sure will be complied with, if
you make application in the proper quarter.”
Las Cases resuming the conversation, said, “you
acknowledge it to be reasonable and fit that we
should have a Priest of our own; I appeal to you,
therefore, as being the most suitable person, to
make the request for us to Sir Hudson Lowe.”
‘“Hixcuse me, Mons. de Las Cases,” said I, “you
know very well that [am not the proper channel
through which the expression of your wants and
wislies should be conveyed to the Governor.—I
must decline to interfere—you must apply in the
official manner. If any verbal message could, with
propriety, be sent on such a subject, I submit that
the orderly officer should be the bearer of it; and
not I, who am but a casual visitor. Were I to
accept the mission, it might prevent, instead of
promoting your wishes, from the irregularity of the
proceeding.”
After breakfast the party separated, [ walked
out with Las Cases, who still clung to me; he
invited me into his office, where he pertinaciously
renewed the conversation. On finding me imprac-
ticable, he said, “well, since you will not be the
io could
1e of us
We all
ye happy
1 reason-
with, if
rr.
id, “‘you
that we
1 to you,
son, to
we.
LI, “you
- channel
ants and
rnor.— |
ly in the
ld, with
mit that
it; and
Tere I to
stead of
ty of the
walked
me; he
aciousl y
imprac-
t be the
Trifles from St. Llelena. L359
bearer of our request, will you mention this con
versation to the Governor?” ‘If you desire it I
will,” said I. He added, “give me your honour
that you will.” T did so—we parted—my family
was at the time on a visit to Plantation House,
and that evening I related the conversation to Sir
Hudson Lowe, in accordance with my _ promise,
and the earnest request of Las Cases.
Since writing the above, I have procured from
a friend M. de Las Cases, Journal, in which he
expressed a doubt of my having performed this
promise. He writes thus:—
“When the Countess of Montholon was con-
fined, a young English Clergyman of great fervour,
came to christen her child, We detained him to
breakfast at the general table. The conversation
having fallen upon religion, his countenance indi-
cated much surprise, when he heard us lamenting
the want of a Priest; believing, no doubt with
the vulgar, the heap of nonsense which is continu-
ally told of us, he had expected to find himself in
the company of renegadoes. It escaped him to
confess, that he had heard and believed a report of
a Priest having offered himself to us at Madeira,
and of our having rejected him, accompanying our
refusal with some epithets of coarse ribaldry. He
was much astonished to hear, that if such an offer
was really made, we had been kept in ignorance of
Ayailing myself of this circumstance, I re-
1
|
t}
=
ae eg te
ica
Prose
per
Tal HTT
160 Trifles from St. Helena.
quested the Clergyman, when breakfast was over,
to come to my apartment, «nd [ naturally took
this opportunity of describing our situation to him
ina moral point of view. We had, besides our-
selves, women and children, who suffered a real
privation from the absence of religious exercises.
We were most anxious to supply this deficiency,
though without noise or ostentation. Now, said |]
to him, this is an affair precisely within your pro-
vince; and I confided to him our wishes, and
intrusted to his conscience the care of obtaining the
Governor’s assent tothem. No sooner had I uttered
the word Governor, than I thought I diseovered
an air of embarrassment on his countenance,
which indicated the fear of compromising himself;
so great was the terror that surrounded us! I
heard no more of him. Is it that he durst not
fulfil his mission ?”
No notice having been taken of the matter, he,
most unkindly, assumed that I had failed in my
promise. I presume that an official application
was subsequently made to the same effect; for,
after the departure of Las Cases, two Ecclesiastics
arrived in St. Helena. The Abbé Bonavista and
a Priest named Vignali.
The Abbé was an amiable and devout person,
calculated to be of great service to Napoleon. But
I fear his object was more political than spiritual:
for, after remaining but for a short time, during
vas over,
ly took
n to him
ides our-
ed a real
XELClses.
eficiency,
w, said I
your pro-
shes, and
ining the
I uttered
liseovered
tenance,
himself ;
dus! I[
durst not
atter, he,
ed in my
pplication
ffect ; for,
clesiastics
hvista and
it person,
oon. But
spiritual ;
ne, during
Trifles from St. Helena. 16
vhich no doubt he received ample instructions, he
was permitted to return to Europe, on the plea of
ill health.
Vignali was a rubicund, plethoric personage,
who did not appear calculated to gain much influ-
ence over the minds of the defenus. He remained
to witness the closing scene, and officiated at the
funeral of Napoleon.
The Emperor used to say that a horse would
safely go wherever a man could find footing. It
is well known that he was a first rate horseman.
‘or several months after his removal from the
Briars to Long Wood, he was accustomed to take
frequent rides. On these occasions a British officer
always accompanied him, whose presence he found
to be peculiarly distasteful.
Captain , who was the first person that
filled the delicate post of orderly officer, among
other duties, was required to ascertain, and report
morning and evening, the actual presence of Na-
poleon, and to escort him in his rides, whenever
he proposed to pass a certain boundary. He
might enjoy a tolerably long ride unattended ; a
road having been constructed at a considerable ex-
pense to enable him to take horse exercise, in pri-
vate, whenever he chose.
Captain
was a mild gentlemanly person,
who, perhaps, under other circumstances, would
have met with attention; but the surveillance which
M
162 Tritles from St. Helena,
he was obliged to exercise rendered him intolera
ble to Napoleon, who once said to him after a ride,
‘Sir, if you were not my jailor I should ask you
to dine with me.”
He played the poor Captain a pretty trick 1m
one of his rides.
Being chafed more than usual by the pertina
city with which the officer hung upon his track
he determined to shake him oif and pursue his ride
alone. This he successfully accomplished, by sud-
denly and at no slight risk turning off the road
down a steep ravine. Following a sheep path
which ran along the side of a precipitous hill,
projecting rock soon hid him effectually from his
confused pursuer. ‘The Captain made a resolute but
vain attempt to follow; his nerves were unequal tc
thedifficult task. After dismounting and endeavour
ing to lead his horse for several yards, by which:
delay he was a
very, he with diifiet
road, galloped : the nearest signal post, and or
dered the astounding signal to be made, “ Genera!
tanced beyond all hepe of reco-
hi
fi
culty and danger regained th
Bonuparte ts missing !”
Napoleon, in the mean time, enjoyed his inde
pendent ride, returned to Long Wood unobserved
and while the officials were ve perplexity as to hi-
whereabouts, he was quietly seated in his own
apartment, well satisfied, no doubt, with the suc
cess of his clases
intolera-
by a ride,
ask you
trick im
pertina
us track
e his ride
, by sud-
the road
eep path
yus hill, a
from his
solute but
nequal tc
ndeavour
by whick
) ot reco-
rained thi
t, and or
& General
1 his inde
nobserved
y as to hi-
1 his own
th the suc
frifles from St. Helena. 163
i hope Lam not illiberal in thinking that Ber-
crand was almost the only person in the suite who
had followed Napoleon to St. Helena from real
attachment, or a disinterested principle of honour.
i had frequent conversations with him. He
delighted to talk of the Emperor, and ap-
peared to treasure up every trifle that he uttered.
Walking with him one day on the summit of a
iofty ridge, locking down upon a deep and lonely
alley beneath, he observed that the Emperor ad-
a/
uired the sequestered spot, and said in his imper-
fect English, “ De Emperenr give him name de
‘alley of de seelence.” He told me that he, in
common with most Frenchmen, used to consider
him to be infallible. He had often received au
rvder from Napoleon, the execution of which seem-
‘ng to be beyond all human power, he would re-
oly, “* But, Sire, it is impossible ;” the order was
venerally repeated with an emphatic “ J tell you
‘o do it,” and it was done.
Bertrand, before a house was expressly built for
uisaccommodation, occupied a cottage on the side of
a hill, sloping steeply down to the valley, and im-
mediately above the spot in which the remains of
Napoleon were afterwards deposited. A short dis-
tance from this place, a delicious spring issued
from a rock in the side of the hill, which supplied
the Marshal’s family with drinking water. Napo-
leon observed it in one of his rambles, and desired
mM 2
164 Trifles from St. Helena.
that he might be furnished from the same source.
It was propably two miles distant from Long W ood
Two capacious silver bottles, which had served him
in many a campaign, were daily sent to this
spring for the purpose. Pointing to a place near
to this fountain, he once said, “If I die in St.
Helena, and they refuse to send my body to France,
bury it here.”
The house appropriated to Bonaparte was com-
plained of as being mean and insufficient. It cer-
tainly was very inferior to Plantation House ; but
it was the only available building, and it had foi
years been occupied by the Lieutenant Governor
as his official residence. Admiral Cockburn (now
Sir George) caused some additions to be made to
it, and every thing was done to improve its com-
fort. Still I admit that the accommodation was
not suitable for Napoleon; and in proof that the
government entertained the same opinion, thi
enormous expense of building the new house wa:
incurred.
Why not have given him Plantation House in
the first instance? This question has been fre
quently proposed. The answer which I have heard
made to it (and the truth might easily be ascer-
tained in Leadenhall-street), is—because the Hast
India Company, being proprietors of the island,
stipulated that their Governor’s residence should
not be given to the Trench people. Were this
——
e source,
g Wood
rved him
to this
lace near
ie in St.
o France,
was com-
. It cer-
ruse ; but
t had for
Governor
urn (now
e made to
e its com-
lation was
* that the
nion, th
house was
. House 1
been tre
vave heard
r be ascer:
> the Kast
he island,
nee should
Were this
TT
a
Trifles from St. Helena. 165
assertion unfounded in fact, other strong objections
might be made to sueh an arrangement, viz. :—
lt was not so safe a position for the prisoner—was
more diflicult to guard—of easier approach to stran-
vers, and dangerously near to the sea, with prac-
ticable paths leading to the most accessible landing
places.
The climate of Long Wood has been represented
as the worst in the island. It was, no doubt, much
exposed to the eftects of a strong south-east wind,
So were all the most
The East India Company’s Go-
vernor, General Dallas, and his family, resided
often laden with humidity.
healthy parts.
in Long Wood new house fer the last three years
of his term, dz preference to Plantation House.
To Frenchmen, | can well conceive, the dense
foos and cold winds at one season of the year must
have been very trying ; but these désagrémens
were irremediable. In such weather the Mmperor
would walk up and cown the biliard room, and
amuse himself by throwing the balls about. He
also read a great deal; among the books sent to
him by the Prince Negeni, was the life of Marl-
borough, whose military talents he professed to
admire. This he finally presented to the library
of the 20th Regiment.
The French people had recourse to many petty
manceuvres, to increase as much as possible the
expenses of the Long Wood establishment. At
|
|
1
(66 Trifles from St. Helena.
first, the supplies were furnished on an unlimited
scale; but the incredible consumption of wines,
liqueurs, and other costly provisions, rendered it
necessary to change this arrangement. On enquiry
it was found that an enormous quantity had beer:
daily thrown away, and that a spirit of reckles:
extravagance prevailed throughout. Bertrand was
therefore, requested to intimate what proportion o
each article would amply suffice in future. Thi
was resented as a most insulting piece of tyranny
Was the emperor to have his rations dolled out t
him like a common soldier? Sir Hudson Low
therefore, was obliged to regulate the quantum hi
self, which was done on an ample and liberal scale
The sudden increase of population cousequent on
Napoleon’s arrival, severely tested the capabilities
of this small island, for supplying so many addi
tional mouths with fresh meat. This led to a larg«
importation of sheep and oxen from the Cape, Ben
guela, and other ports on the African coast. Before
this period no person was allowed to kill his own
bullock, calf, or sheep, without special permission
from the Governor and Council. This restriction
led to the adoption of many eruel practices to ob
tain a joint ; such as maiming the cattle, as if by
accident, or driving them over a precipice tha‘
they might be injured past recovery. Bonaparte’s
table was served, as much as possible, with island
meat, that which was imported being of coars
SRI Sn nn a ee eae
inlimited
of wines,
dered it
enquiry
1ad_ beer:
reckless
‘and was
yortion ©
‘re. Thi
tyranny
ed out t
on Low
tum hi
ral seale
equent on
pabilities
my addi
to alarge
ape, Ben
Beto re
his own
ermission
estriction
es to ob
as if by
pice thai
naparte’s
ith island
of coars
Trifles from St. Helena. 167
juality. He adopted a singular scheme for em-
barrassing the Governor and swelling his own list
of grievances. for a considerable time, the Em-
peror could eat nothing but calves’ brains—calvee
were not imported—the number of young cattle
on the spot was very limited—to gratify this pen-
chant, by killing one every day, would soon bring
them to an end, and afford another ground foi
‘omplaint.
Napoleon appeared to give up all hope of being
et at liberty, when he observed the expensive
reparations for building the new house. As it
idyanced towards completion, his malady in-
reased, and it became daily more evident to those
around him that he was ineurably ll; although,
| believe, no person understood the precise cause
Still, it was said that he seemed to be aware of it ;
ften placing his hand over the seat of pain and
»xclaiming, “ O mon pylore.” The disease was
‘vidently of long standing, the stomach having
been previously perforated in a part which rested
on the liver, and by causing inflammation on the
outer surface of that organ, an adhesion had
taken place, which prevented the escape of the
contents of the stomach, and thus for a time pro-
longed his life of suttering.
On hearing the report of the surgeons who had
conducted the post mortem examination, in refe-
rence to it, Madame Bertrand said, “If it had
been the dav of Austerlitz he must have died.’
[GS Trifles Sroiir St. LLelenu.
When Bertrand apprised him that the new house
was ready for occupation, calling it the palace,
Bonaparte exclaimed, ‘ Do not call it my palace
but my tomb.” In order to make this appellation
more appropriate, his attendants attempted to
move him into it a short time before his death;
but his strength being unequal to the fatigue, he
fainted after they had carried him a few yards,
and they were obliged to abandon the endeavour,
After his decease, the members of his suite, who had
hitherto maintained a cold, formal, and gloomy de-
portment, became suddenly changed into most
social, cheerful, and communicative beings. A
weight seemed to be removed, which had pressed
heavily on their spirits, often rendering them mo-
rose and impracticable. Now, they had a pros-
pect of returning to Kurope without dishonour, or
any unputation on the fidelity of their attachment
to fallen greatness. They naturally rejoiced at
the termination of a five years’ banishment, nor
did they dissemble their joy.
Madame Bertrand told me that Napoleon had
received the sacrament from the hands of Vignali,
some days before lis death, having first desired
him to administer the holy rite in as simple « form
as he could. She also told me he had shown some
anxicty about the arrangement of the room after
his decease; and had given Vignali instructions
relative to the number and position of the tapers,
&e. It was said that he suffered so much pain
ew house
e palace,
y palace
pellation
npted to
3 death ;
tigue, he
w yards,
ideavour,
who had
oomy de-
ito most
ngs. A
| pressed
hem mo-
| a pros-
onour, or
tachment
joiced at
lent, nor
leon had
’ Vignal,
t desired
le form
Wii SOME
om after
tructions
le tapers,
uch palin
Trifles from St. Helena. 169
trom taking the least sustenance, as to render it
difficult to persuade him to take anything. Fora
considerable time before his death, he was in the
habit of rejecting all solid food, merely masticating
the meat to extract the juice, which alone he
swallowed. When very near his end, his attend-
ants endeavoured to give him a small quantity of
wine, by introducing it into his mouth with a
spoon; afew drops found their way into his sto-
mach, and appeared to cause extreme suffering ; his
powerful eye flashed angrily upon them, and they
dared not repeat the attempt. ‘To the very last
he controlled all around him by a look.
In Sir Walter Scott’s History of Napoleon, men-
tion is made of a violent storm which is said to
have happened on the day of his death, by which
most of the trees about Long Wood were laid
prostrate, and much damage occasioned ; and re-
ference is made to a similar convulsion which took
place at the death of the Protector. JI remember
reading this in St. Helena, with some surprise,
not having the slightest recollection of any such
occurrence. I questioned several persons on thie
subject, but no one could remember it. Being
curious on the matter, | rode to Long Wood, and
had along conversation wita an old soldier who
was there xt the time: all [ could gain from him
was, that a small weeping willow, which had
been planted by Napoleon at the edge of a pond
170 Trifles from St. Helena.
for his gold and silver fish, was blown down on the
day of his death ; and that the wind was rather
high at the time. During the long period of
eighteen years’ residence on the island, although
the wind, which always blows from the south-
east, was occasionally very high, it certainly never
approached to anything like a storm; and what
is more singular, thunder and lightning are almost
unknown. I have occasionally observed the latter
just above the horizon; and once only in the time
mentioned did [ hear a clap of distant thunder go
distinct as to be able to recognise it.
Previous to the funeral, the body was laid in
state, dressed in uniform, even to the well known
cocked hat, a crucifix being placed on the chest.
As I passed the small camp bedstead on which it
rested, I took hold of the right hand, which |
held in mine for several seconds. It was remark-
ably small and delicate; in fact it might have
been taken for the hand of a lady who had che-
rished it with great care.
The apartments were arranged just as he used
them when alive. In the bedroom were beauti-
ful minatures of his mother, Marie Louise, and
the King of Rome. On the toilette table, with
the customary dressing apparatus, were bottles
with eau de cologne and lavender; various boxes,
one of which | opened, containing small pieces of
licorice ; at each corner of the table a white cam
non the
s rather
eriod of
Ithough
e south-
ily never
nd what
e almost
he latter
the time
nder so
g laid in
ll known
he chest.
which it
which I
remark-
rht have
had che-
; he used
e beauti-
wise, and
ble, with
2 ~bottles
1s boxes,
pieces of
hite cam
Trifles from St. EHelena. 17
bric handkerchief, marked with the imperial crown
and the letter N.. As I examined them I said to
a fried, how I should like to have one of these.
Well, he replied, why do you not pocket it.
Answering the question with, “ Thou shalt not
steal,” I passed on. Some less scrupulous person
took possession of it; for before I left the room J
perceived it was gone. In an adjoining apartment
were amazing heaps of old cocked hats and boots,
which reminded one more of Monmouth-street
than the Tuilleries.
Before the procession was formed, I asked the
Governor where I should take my station. He
said, I suppose as usual, before the corpse. On
my observing that the priest might object to it,
reference was made to Count Montholon, who,
after having consulted Vignali, told us that the
latter declared he should render himself liable to
excommunication, if he were to permit a heretic
to walk with him on such an occasion, which, of
course, I did not insist upon.
The spot which had been selected for the inter-
ment wasunconsecrated ground, as indeed wasevery
burial ground in the island, since an Episcopal
foot had never trod the rock. ‘To prevent the trou-
ble and difficulty of carrying the bodies of soldiers
who died in the temporary ligapitel at Dead Wood,
to a distance of at least four miles over a toilsome
road, a small enclosure was made nigh at hand to
iT
i
'
{
172 Trifles from St. Helena.
receive them. The other chaplain and I thought
it proper to dedicate this and similar places to
the purposes of interment, by the use of prayers
suited to the occasion. The French people ear-
nestly requested Sir Hudson “owe to ask me to
set apart the spot which was opened to receive
Napoleon’s remains in the same manner, in order
to secure it from desecration ; to which I willingly
consented, and I went to the grave to effect this
purpose before the arrival of the procession.
The opening was about eight feet deep ; a kind
of coffin had been formed at the bottom, with
slabs of Portland stone, taken from the kitchen
: of the new house, one of which was propped up
| | at the side, to be lowered down, like the lid of a
box, after the coffin was deposited; which being
done, it was almost impenetrably secured by a
thick mass of stones and mortar, with pails full of
ere
Roman cement. No wonder that the Prince de
Joinville’s party found the disinterment a work of
great toil and difficulty. In order to lower this
slab with ease, an iron ring bolt was fixed in the
back of it; through this a rope was passed, and
secured by two or three turns round one of the
willows, the stem of which was much bent, and
ran parallel to the side of the grave, so as to ad-
mit of my looking down on the coffin beneath,
with my arms resting upon the tree. Madame
Bertrand stood beside me leaning in the same
L I thought
r places to
of prayers
people ear-
» ask me to
1 to receive
ier, in order
h I willingly
o effect this
ssion,
ep; a kind
ottom, with
the kitehen
; propped up
the lid of a
which being
ecured by a
1 pails full ot
ie Prince de
nt a work of
o lower this
; fixed in the
passed, and
l one of the
‘h bent, and
go as to ad-
fin beneath,
e. Madame
n the same
Drift 8 roi Nf, [lelena.
manner. We stept backward a few paces to allow
the men to lower away, in the act of doing which,
from the great weight of the stone, a large piece
of the bark was torn off. I put forth my hand
and seized it, saying to Madame, [I shall keep this
as a relic.
Seareely had I said this when a stranger ae-
costed me, trembling with agitation, and hardly
able to articulate. He implored me to give hin
a small portion of my prize. He had landed from
a passing ship, a by galloping up the steep hill,
managed to arri\. just at the conclusion of the
ceremony. I tore off about a third of the piece
of bark and presented it to one, who I felt sure
would value it immensely, for which he expressed
himself abundantly thankful.
Three commissioners were sent out by the Kuro-
pean powers; what was the nature of their func-
tions [ could never ascertain. They were gentle.
manly persons, and very sociably inclined. he
representative of France, the Marquis de Mont-
chenu, was a fine specimen of the “ancien regime ;”
& handsome portly old gentleman, with a long
queue. It was worth while to see him mounted
on his long tailed, ambling black horse. No pos-
ture master could be more correct in all his atti-
tudes. His little acts of gallantry were not ex-
actly suited to the Inelish taste, but being very
good humoured they were tolerated. One exam-
ple may suffice.
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74 Trifles from St. Helena.
A young, handsome, and amiable married lady
was one forenoon busily employed in some kind of
ornamental work, amused by the truly French
compliments of the antiquated beau. Unperceived,
he snatched up a pair of scissors, stole behind her,
most audaciously cut off a pendant lock of hair,
and held it up in triumph before her wondering
eyes.
He was what is called a “‘ bon vivant ;” so the
sailors who brought him out to St. Helena seemed
to think, and his name gave them an opportunity
of displaying their wit on the forecastle, where he
was significantly called “ old munch enough.” I
do not think he was a great eater, although he
shewed a very strong preference for some articles
of diet.
[ dined with the late excellent and lamented
Admiral Sir P. Malcolm; Marshal and Countess
Bertrand, the old Marquis, Baron Sturmer,’? Count
Balmaine,” and a large party were present. The
Admiral had received a supply of turtle from As-
cension. I was seated next to Montchenu. A
large tureen of soup was smoking before the Ad-
miral, The Marquis had never tasted this far-
famed delicacy. He was plentifully helped in his
turn. He seized a spoon, but instead of beginning
to employ it as others were doing, he placed it by
the side of his plate, and carefully propped up the
a Austrian Commissioner,
b Russian Commissioner,
| lady
ind of
‘rench
elved,
d her,
hair,
lering
30 the
emed
unity
re he
ae |
rh he
ticles
ented
ntess
‘ount
The
| As-
, A
Ad-
far-
1 his
ning
t by
the
i
Trifles from St. Helena. 17
handle with his bread. He then felt for some-
thing in his waistcoat pocket, and with his finger
and thumb deliberately drew forth a small piece
of paper neatly folded; this he carefully opened,
aud turned its contents into the spoon ready placed
for its reception. It appeared, to my wondering
eyes, to be a powder of calomel and jalap. Hav-
ing sedulously mixed it with a small portion of
the soup, he carried it to his mouth, and washed
down the nauseous dose with successive spoonfuls,
This unprecedented act attracted the attention of
ihe guests, all of whom appeared to be disgusted.
Some of the foreigners loudly condemned the
frenchman, and one exclaimed, “ Execrable.”
The old Marquis, with the utmost coolness,
attempted to justify his conduct, by saying, that
never having tasted turtle soup, and fearing it
might disagree with him, he thought it prudent to
use that precaution, which he always adopted on
siinilar occasions.
‘There were always two cruisers on the look out,
one to windward, and the other to leeward of the
island. A somewhat remarkable coincidence is
attached to the commanders of the two brigs
which were for a time employed in this service.
Two naval officers, respectively named Wallace
and Wright, had landed on the coast of France,
intrusted with some secret mission. They were
captured, and thrown into prison. Wright, who
is supposed to have been treated with atrocious
170 Trifles from St. Helena.
eruelty, was ultimately found dead in his cell, and
was reported, by the French, to have committed
suicide. The conviction of Wallace’s mind was
that he had been barbarously murdered, on re-
fusing to betray his trust. Wallace, who escaped,
commanded one of the cruisers avove mentioned ;
a Lieutenant Wright, of the Conqueror, on a va-
caney occurring, was promoted to the other.—
Thus, the identical Wallace, in conjunction with
one bearing the name of his former unfortunate
shipmate, was engaged in guarding the prison rock
of Napoleon.
The telegraph system was brought to great per-
fection in St. Helena, from being so constantly
employed. Look out posts were fixed on com-
manding heights round the borders of the island,
communicating with others more centrally placed.
Vessels were discovered at an almost incredible
distance, in certain states of the atmosphere. Hach
post was furnished with a piece of ordnance ;
this was fired when a ship was perceived. As
soon as her bearings and description were cor-
rectly ascertained, the information was conveyed
from station to station by flags. The Governor
and other officials were furnished, in the space of
a few minutes, with a written report of the par-
ticulars.
When more than three or four ships were in
sight, it caused what used to be termed a general
alarm. The island militia or volunteers were
ell, and
imitted
nd was
on re-
scaped,
loned ;
n a va-
ther.—
n with
rtunate
yn rock
at per-
stantly
1 com-
island,
placed.
redible
Kach
lance ;
|. As
e cor-
veyed
vernor
ace of
\e par-
ere in
eneral
were
Trifles from St. Helena. 17%
called out, the batteries were manned, and the
troops on the alert at their respective stations.
An occurrence of this kind at night produced
no slight commotion, and it sometimes arose from
a frivolous or groundless cause.
I remember one ludicrous instance of this nature
which put the whole population on the “ qui vive,”
and gave a great deal of trouble.
Captain , Who then commanded one of the
eruisers, had promised Lady Lowe that he would
bring his ship on the following night off the har-
bour, in the front of the castle (as the Governor’s
town residence was named), and exercise his men
at the guns, that she might witness the beautiful
effect. Accordingly, about ten o’clock one dark
night, he took up a favourable position, and opened
his fire, blazing away broadside after broadside, to
the terror and am*zement of the uninitiated, for
he had omitted to give any public notice of his
intention, and even the Admiral himself was not
aware of it.
The effect was a sudden and general alarm.
Batteries were manned, regiments under arms:
civilians hurried on their uniforms, and repaired
from all directions to the rendezvous for their
several volunteer companies. The flag ship was
prepared to slip her cable, and the Admiral was
on his way from the Briars, where he then re
sided, proceeding to embark and take command.
N
[78 Trifles from St. Helena.
Various conjectures were afloat. The most pre-
vailing opinion was, that an American frigate had
engaged the . The true state of the case being
at length ascertained, the soldiers were dismissed
to their barracks, and the volunteers returned to
their homes, hoping that no other alarm might
occur that might.
The only town in St. Helena is situated in a
deep and narrow valley on the north-west side of
the island. Opposite to this there is safe anchor-
age for a large fleet. In order to reach the har-
bour (the wind constantly blowing strongly from
the south-east) ships are obliged to haul in as close
to the nearly perpendicular rocks, at the east
point, as they can with safety. Here is a battery
called Banks’s, immediately under which most ves-
sels shape their course, not without first commu-
nicating by boat with the officer in command,
whose sanction is necessary to pass them into the
harbour. The captain of a ship of war, on his re-
turn from the Cape, having made the island late
in the afternoon, thought it would be a good joke
to take his vessel past this battery unobserved,
and to bring her to her moorings unknown to the
soldiers, who would be not a little surprised at
daylight to find her there. This might be very
amusing to the naval officer; but, had he suc-
eceded, the unfortunate subaltern of artillery would
have been brought to a Court Martial, and pro-
ost pre-
rate had
se being
ismissed
ined to
1 might
ed in a
t side of
anchor-
the har-
‘ly from
as close
she east
battery
nost ves-
commu-
minand,
into the
n his re-
and late
ood joke
bserved,
n to the
rised at
be very
he suc-
ry would
and pro-
Trijfes from St. Helena. 179
bably cashiered. Fortunately for him, he ob-
served the mancuvre, and arrested the clandestine
progress of the jocose captain, by sending a shot
through the ship’s side, between wind and water,
which passed over the heads of several men, and
convineed the captain of his mistake in supposing
that he could so easily escape the vigilance of the
St. Helena artillery.
The public mind has been much abused by the
obloquies which have been heaped upon Sir Hud-
son Lowe, who, I am persuaded, if fairly judged,
will be found to have discharged the duties of his
lighly responsible commission with uncompro-
mising fidelity to the government, and with as
much kindness to the ‘* Detenus” as was consist-
ent with the service entrusted to him.
The possibility of Napoleon’s escape never en-
tered his thoughts. To keep him in safe custody
was the easiest part of the duty imposed upon
him. His instructions were not confined to this,
which might have been duly effected without a very
rigid surveillance. But since the most important,
as well as the most difficult matter committed to
his management, was to prevent his holding cor-
respondence with France, by which the machina-
tions of his party would be fomented, and all
Hurope likely once more to be set in a blaze; how
was this to be done !—certainly not by permitting
him to have an unbounded supply of money to
N 2
180 Trifles from St. Helena.
bribe withal—nor by allowing him or his suite to
despatch letters when they pleased—nor by ad-
mitting them to an unrestrained intercourse with
the inhabitants. For, although an intimate ac-
quaintance of so many years with these persons,
enables me to say that the character of the
East India Company’s service, and of the old
island families was above all suspicion, yet there
were many ignorant persons of lower grade, to
whom fifty or a hundred Napoleons would have
proved an irresistible temptation. Indeed, it was
said that a young man, without any ostensible
means, suddenly gave out that he was going to
England, and assumed a gayer dress than usual.
He was allowed to make his preparations ; at the
last hour, on subjecting his waistcoat to a rigid
inspection, it was fouid to be padded with paper,
written on in ciphers. In spite of every precau-
tion, a correspondence was maintained. At first,
Napoleon in his rides used to scatter gold to every
black boy that opened a gate for him, and, un-
restrained, he might have bought the unqualified
subjection of all that race, and of the Chinese also,
who are great lovers of money, and of whom there
were several hundreds on the Island, employed
as mechanics or labourers ; not to mention the dan-
ger to be apprehended from his tampering with the
soldiers.
I rejoice to find that the publie are likely to
suite to
by ad-
se with
rate ac-
persons,
of the
the old
ot there
rade, to
Id have
it was
tensible
‘olng to
1 usual,
- at the
a rigid
. paper,
precau-
\t first,
0 every
nd, un-
ualified
18e also,
m there
aployed
he dan-
vith the
kely to
oP TREE ns
Trifles from St. Helena. 18]
have Sir Hudson’s papers laid before them ; which
will place his conduct in its true light, and enable
men to excuse or condemn him, on something like
fair grounds; hitherto, the question has been one-
sided, and the foulest assertions of his most bitter
enemies have never been contradicted, except in
private.
As to his popularity in the relation of governor
to a colony, few have ever been more deservedly
or warmly esteemed ; in proof whereof, I need
only to refer to the enthusiasm with which he was
received at St. Helena, on his return from Ceylon.
He remained only two or three days, during which
time the military, civil, and mercantile inhabitants
unanimously strove to show him respect. Dinners
were given at the mess and the tavern, without
one dissenting voice. In proposing his health,
which was toasted repeatedly, the speakers alluded
to his justice and impartiality as a governor, and
his liberality and kindness asa men. Lady Lowe's
well-known charity and benevolenc: were also de-
servedly eulogised. Those who witnessed it will
not soon forget a scene as gratifying to Sir Hud-
son, as it was creditable to the people of the
Island, collectively and individually.
I have mentioned bullocks from Benguela: they
were particularly wild and fierce, and carried horns
of an enormous size; when a cargo of these was
Janded it caused a great sensation in the town.
Pe HIP vc pe
182 Trifles Strom St. Helena.
One of these monsters, in its passage up the
street, having broke away from its drivers, rushed
into a small shop, and leaped over the counter in
pursuit of a boy, who providentially escaped
through a side door, leaving the bullock in undis-
puted possession. The animal, not having sufficient
space to turn, was obliged to follow the direction
of the counter, and came opposite to a small
window; it was the only available outlet, he there-
fore dashed through it, scattering the bottles and
toys with which it was decorated, and carrying the
frame into the street, upon his huge horns.
A few yards from the spot, an elderly person
who had the misfortune to be very deaf, was walk-
ing unconsciously along. The bullock rushed at
him with the utmost fury; and the first intimation
the poor man had of his danger, was, to find him-
self firmly fixed between the animal’s horns, close
to a high wall; against which, the length of the
horns prevented his being smashed. He extricated
himself with great coolness and skill, and managed
to crawl away and seize the creature’s tail, which
had the effect of making him run forward, and the
old man escaped, with very few trifling bruises.
Not so his next antagonist. Proceeding rapidly up
the Valley, he came to the gate leading into the
Parade in front of the Officers’ Barracks. Half a
dozen men were at drill, for punishment, in heavy
marching order. The corporal on duty, seeing the
up the
, rushed
unter in
escaped
n undis-
ufficient
irection
1 small
e there-
tles and
ying the
- person
s walk-
shed at
imation
ad him-
is, Close
of the
ricated
anaged
, which
wid the
bruises.
idly up
nto the
Half a
| heavy
ing the
a ees eer eee
Trifles from St. Helena. 183
infuriated bullock enter the gate, and being warned
by the crowd who were pursuing it, hastily ordered
the men to take refuge behind a row of trees which
were on one side of the Parade. They all gladly
obeyed, except one active young man of the light
infantry company. He laughed at his comrades,
and called them cowards. Having fixed his bay-
onet, he resolutely kept his ground; and as the
bullock approached, called aloud, ‘Prepare to re-
ceive cavalry.” Down he dropped on his right
knee, bringing the butt of his piece to the ground,
holding his musket in the proper position, with a
firm grasp, and steadily awaiting the charge. The
bullock seeing him alone in the middle of the Pa-
rade, walked for a few yards quickly towards him,
then began to trot; and when within a few paces
of the fool-hardy soldier, rushed furiously at him.
The impetuosity of the movement, and the weight
of the animal, were too great for the strength of a
man to resist. The bayonet stuck into the skull
between the horns, sufficiently to fix it there; but
it produced only a stunning effect; the enormous
brute drove the poor fellow with violence along the
ground, for several yards, and fell heavily upon
him. A butcher arrived with ropes and ample
assistance, managed to get the bullock secured,
and killed him on the spot. The soldier was taken
to the hospital, dreadfully bruised, and very nearly
paid fer his rashness with his lite.
ee
mine meen ieee litem ste
a
a SSS SS eee!
Sa es Seg ree ee ee
1S4 Trifles from St. Helena.
In one of the subjoined Bills of Mortality, is re-
corded a case of ‘delirium tremens,” the fearful
consequence of drinking to excess, which reminds
me of the following strange occurrence :—
A patient labouring under an attack of this
kind, was brought to the Military Hospital. It
was found necessary to shave his head, and to place
him in a strait waistcoat. Ina few days time his
violence abated, the restraints were removed, and
he was treated as convalescent. He remained very
quiet until midnight, when he determined to make
his escape. Soldiers in hospital were obliged to
wear a particular dress; consisting of a night cap,
trowsers, and loose gown of flannel. To attempt
his purpose in these garments would be doubly
hazardous; and would ensure his being brought
back by the first non-commissioned officer he might
meet, if le should effect his exit from the hospital.
A seaman who had been recently sent from a vessel
in the harbour, was asleep in the same ward. His
jacket and trowsers being on a chair beside the
bed, the madman cunningly possessed himself of
these, leaving the hospital dress in exchange. Thus
equipped, he flung off the cap which covered his
bald head—managed to elude the sentry at the
gate, and found his way about three miles into the
country, over precipices of great difficulty and
danger. Observing a light in the distance, he made
towards it. It proceeded from the bedroom of a
y, is Ye-
» fearful
reminds
of this
tal. It
to place
‘ime his
ed, and
ed very
o make
iged to
ht cap,
ittempt
doubly
srought
> might
ospital,
v vessel
|. His
ide the
self of
Thus
red his
at the
ito the
y and
> made
m ofa
Trifles From St, Helena. 185
young married couple, who had long retired to
rest, and were asleep with their infant, a few
months old, in a crib beside them. The cottage
consisted of three rooms, each of which opened into
a veranda, by a folding glass door. The soldier
stealthily approached the one which shewed the
light ; cautiously turning the handle of the lock
it readily opened; he entered the room, closed the
door after him, and crept on all fours to the foot
of the bed. The young and amiable mother hear-
ing something stir, started up to look at the child.
To her amazement and horror, she saw a bald head
pop up and down every two or three seconds, at
the foot of the bed. When she could convince
herself of the reality, she awoke her husband, and
seizing the infant, hurried out of the room to seek
for help. The black servant was too much fright-
ened to give any assistance; but a brother of the
host, who had taken a shake down on the drawing
room sofa that night, on hearing the alarm, seized
an empty bottle, as the only weapon he could find
in the dark, and hastened to the bedroom; here
he found the maniac singing and capering about in
a most grotesque manner, while his brother, armed
with a sabre, was warning the man to keep ata
distance, or he would cut him down. Finding
that he was perfectly harmless, they listened to
his rhapsodies for an hour or two, until a party
came to march him back to the hospital. An oc-
|
:
|
186 Trifles from St. Helena.
currence so unexpected and alarming, was nearly
fatal to the lady, whose nervous system received a
shock, from which it took years to recover. The
slightest allusion to the subject, after months had
passed, would throw her into a state of violent
agitation. At length the culprit was discharged
from the garrison, and sent to England; which
greatly tended to compose her mind, and I rejoice
to say she is still alive; although I venture to
believe, that the terror of that night, whenever it
obtrudes itself, is the most painful of her recol-
lections.
The soldiers of the two regiments, belong-
ing to the Hast India Company, were for the
most part, sober and orderly men. There were
alas! a few fearful exceptions. Previous to the
year 1808, the unlimited importation of Bengal
arrack was allowed, or rather encouraged, for I
believe the Company imported it. The “liquid
fire,” as it has been justly called, was issued in un-
restricted quantity from the government stores, to
the keepers of punch houses; who sold it to the
troops, already heated by their daily ration of the
same deleterious drink. The effects became so
serious, and so scandalously demoralizing, that in
1808, General Beatson, the Governor, was autho-
rized to put an end to the pernicious and danger-
ous system.
The importation of ardent spirits was prohibited
—Cape wine was substituted for the allowance of
re SR
a 5 aes a
> nearly
ceived a
r. The
ths had
violent
charged
- Which
_ rejoice
ture to
never it
r recol-
belong-
for the
‘e were
to the
Bengal
, for I
‘liquid
[in un-
ores, to
to the
. of the
ume so
that in
autho-
langer-
hibited
unce of
Trijles from St. Helena. 187
arrack, and the brewing of beer encouraged. The
promulgation of these new measures excited a
serious mutiny in the Garrison, which was quelled
by the Governor’s firmness; who caused several of
the ringleaders to be executed, and steadily carried
out his plan. Not a quart of spirits could be
legally landed, without the special authority of the
Governor and Council, one of whom must sign the
permit; in addition to which, a heavy duty was
levied. Still where there are drunkards, liquor at
any risk will be provided; and often the greater
the risk, the more determined are such characters
tohaveit. A severe case of “delirium tremens” in
the hospital, would set the authorities wondering
where and how the spirits were obtained. I re-
member a remarkable instance of depravity in a
carpenter, who put several pounds into his pocket
by the following disgusting proceeding. A gentle-
man, on his return from India, died at sea; his
friends, wishing to have his remains buried at St.
Helena, which they expected to reach in a week
or two, had the body deposited in a large cask of
arrack, or rum. On the arrival of the ship, the
cask was landed, and placed in charge of the
undertaker; who engaged to have the remains
carefully withdrawn, and duly laid in a suitable
coffin for interment. This was done; after which,
instead of seeing that the spirits were thrown
away, he permitted (perhaps more through negli-
gence than by intention) his man, or men, to do
188 Trifles from St. Helena.
as they pleased with it. It soon got to the soldiers;
who, unconsciously, bought it at a cheap rate. Seve-
ral were made ill by it, which led to the discovery
of the facts, and the man who sold it was deserv-
edly punished; until this came to my positive
knowledge, I had considered the story of the
sailor “tapping the Governor,” to be nothing more
than a joke.
bays Se ee eh
ate
a a Sel
SS
ANECDOTES OF CHINESE.
The arrival of Napoleon caused a great demand
for labourers and artificers; to meet which exi-
gency, about 300 Chinese were imported, from
Macao and Canton, who formed an interesting
and useful portion of the community. From the
habits and conduct of this handful of men, the re-
fuse of an exuberant population, taken from the
scum of the ‘Celestial Empire,” one could scarcely
be supposed to form a very correct estimate of the
Chinese character. Still the majority of these,
for cleanliness, industry, and subordination, were
examples worthy of imitation. They were placed
under certain regulations; were paid and rationed
by the Government; a military officer was appointed
over them, entitled “Superintendent of Chines: .”
and under him were a paymaster and a clerk.
Those who were not required at the public works,
individuals were permitted to hire; paying the
wages to the paymaster monthly, and giving the
oldiers;
. seve-
scovery
deserv-
positive
of the
ng’ more
demand
ich exi-
d, from
eresting
rom the
the re-
rom the
scarcely
e of the
these,
n, were
placed
‘ationed
pointed
hinese.”
clerk.
works,
ing the
ning the
Trifles from St. Helena. 189
Chinese 15s. per month as approbation money, if
they had behaved well. 1 hired for many years,
a little fellow about five feet high, of the Tartar
race, named Aloe, who was invaluable as a gar-
dener. The attention he paid to irrigation, and
the skill and judgment with which he conducted
the water in open channels, for the purpose, always
secured a crop of vegetables in the driest seasons.
I wonder that in situations favourable to its adop-
tion, this primitive method of watering plants, has
not superseded the watering pot and garden engine.
I had three other Chinese, respectively named,
Assam, Asseen, and Atchong. ‘The two latter
were quiet inoffensive labouring men; Assam was
a tall and immensely powerful person. He was
recommended to me by a neighbour, as an excel-
lent cook, in which capacity he entered my service,
and fo a year cr two, conducted himself tolerably
well, with the exception of occasionally exhibiting
symptoms of a morose and sulky disposition. These
became more frequent, as he privately indulged in
deep potations of Cape wine, which Jed to his dis.
missal. The immediate cause of our parting was
as follows:—He had a favourite cat, which had
been seen to catch and devour several ducks and
chickens. In St. Helena, where poultry was al.
ways exorbitantly dear, and sometimes not to be
had at any pvice, such a ruinous practice could not
be winked at. I called Assam and stated the case
190 Trifles from St. Helena.
to him in Chinese English, thus:—“ Hi Yaw!
what for your cat make eat my chicken? No good
fashion—no can do—must make send him away.”
To which he gave a grunt of dissatisfaction, and
replied, “Me savey belly well; can do; me make
send away.” That evening the cat disappeared,
and I concluded that he had given her to one of
his countrymen. Several days afterwards, walk-
ing through my stable yard, I observed a basket
in a secluded corner; on giving it a kick, it rolled
on its side, and exposed an old rice bag to view.
Fancying I beheld a slight motion in it, I untied
the mouth of the bag; when Jo! Assam’s poor cat,
in the last stage of starvation, unable to crawl,
uttered the faintest possible cry. The monster
had consigned her to this lingering death, in re-
venge for the slight expression of my anger.
I was subsequently told of a former exploit of
his, which manifested the same passionate and
cruel disposition. His master was particularly
fond of the liver wing of a roasted fowl. One day
a bird was placed before him deficient of this deli-
cacy. He sent his servant to demand of Assam
what he had done with it. The boy returned
saying, “ Assam says the fowl had got no liver.” To
which his master replied, “The rascal knows what’s
good as well as I do: he has eat it himsclf.” The
Chinese having followed the servant to the dining
room door, heard these words. Filled with rage
1 Yaw!
No good
1 away.”
tion, and
ne make
ppeared,
to one of
Is, walk-
i basket
it rolled
to view.
I untied
00r cat,
Oo crawl,
monster
h, in re-
T.
ploit. of
ate and
icularly
Jne day
his deli-
Assam
eturned
er.” To
3 what’s
” The
» dining
th rage
Trifles from St. Helena. 19]
and indignation, he seized a sharp knife, rushed
out of the house towards the spot where an un-
fortunate hen of his owu was sitting on a nest of
eggs, just at the hatching point; cut her open,
tore the liver from her living body, grilled it, and
sent it to his master upon a hot plate.
A Chinese named Aping, who was employed in
the Company’s Stores, came to me one evening to
request I would look at some copies which an in-
valid soldier had written for him, who professed to
teach him to read and write, which he was very
anxious to accomplish before he returned to China,
as he proposed to do the following year. He was
a remarkably clever and intelligent person, and
had discovered that his tutor neither spelt, nor
formed his letters correctly. I delighted him by
engaging to become his instructor myself, if he
would come to me two evenings in the week. In
return for my lessons in reading and writing, he
was to teach me Chinese! The result was such
as might have been expected; he learned to read
and write remarkably well, and I remained as
ignorant as before. After he had finished his
evening lesson, I endeavoured, but as it appeared
without any good effect, to explain to him the
nature of true religion. This would lead him to
give some account of the superstitions, to which he
had been taught from infancy to yield implicit
faith: some of his tales of Giants, River Gods, and
192 Trifles from St. Helena
Demons, equalled any I have read in the Arabian
Nights. © Speaking to him of the Omnipresence o1
the Deity—‘“‘Oh yes,” he said, ‘‘it is all the same in
my country.” “Nay,” said I, “your Joss is an idol,
ora picture. He has eyes but he cannot see, he
has ears but he cannot hear.” ‘‘O yes,” he replied,
“Til tell you how he does it—he has plenty of
little Gods. At daylight each day, one of these,
with a book and pen in his band, takes his station
at every door, at every fire place, at every bedside,
in every house, and writes down all that he hears
and sees, At Gunfire every morning, they fly up
to Joss, give in their reports, and in an instant re-
sume their stations.” And of the truth of this, I
believe he was thoroughly persuaded.
When the time arrived, which Aping had fixed
upon, to return to China, he found out that a friend
of mine was going to India by that route, in the
same ship. Joyful at the discovery, he told me
that he had saved four or five hundred dollars; but
that when he arrived at Canton, the Mandarins
would be sure to find it out, and squeeze them all
out of him; I could do him a great favour and secure
his treasure, by asking my friend to take care of the
bag for him; and on his reaching Canton, to give it
to one of the Company’s Servants at the factory
there, from whom le could get a few dollars at a
time, without exciting suspicion. My friend readily
agreed to this arrangement, and I have no doubt
\rabiau
fence ol
same 1)
an idol,
see, he
replied,
lenty of
f these,
5 station
bedside,
ie hears
y fly up
stant re-
f this, I
ad fixed
a friend
e, in the
told me
lars; but
andarins
them all
id secure
re of the
to give it
. factory
lars at a
d readily
10 doubt
|
|
Trifles from St. Helena. 193
that the poor man’s wealth was duly secured from
the rapacious clutches of the Chinese Aristocracy.
There were two or three Joss Houses or Temples
fitted up with great taste, and at a considerable
expense. Over the altar, was a large picture repre-
senting a porily old gentleman, seated in an arm
chair; on one side of him stood an amiable looking
youth, and on the other a hideous figure, with a
demoniacal countenance: upon the table stood three
small cups, which the Priest filled every night with
strong tea, and pretended that Joss and, his asso-
ciates emptied them before morning. There were
also three long sticks of incense burning before
them. In front of the Temple, afew paces from it,
stood two lofty poles, on which were displayed
their peculiar triangular flags; and on certain oe-
easions, long pendants. At the foot of these poles,
incense was generally burning, and the masonry in
which they were fixed, was carved to represent
some hideous monster. The walls of the Temple
were covered with pictures, and splendid lanterns
hung suspended from the roof. Attached to the
walls I observed long stripes of red paper, marked
with Chinese characters; on asking the Priest the
meaning of them, he said, that when a Chinaman
had a dream concerning the relations whom he had
left behind, which led him to fear they were sick,
or dead, or in trouble, he paid him a rupee or a
dollar, for which fee he engaged to ascertain the
O
194 Trifles from St. Helena,
true state of the case, by consulting Joss; and that
the stripes of paper contained the names of the
various applicants, who were almost always made
“too muchee glad,” by the nature of the informa-
tion thus procured.
“You speak to that picture,” said I, “and the
picture answers you.” ‘“O yes,” he replied. “Well,”
I continued, “I know you are not such a fool as to
believe it yourself; but you are an arrant rogue,
anda very wicked man, to cajole your poor country-
men by such foolery. But what are these books?”
I asked, observing four on the table at the right of
the Idol. “O, welly good book,” said he. To
my amazement | found they were the four gospels,
in Chinese, by Dr. Morrison, who had lately touched
at the Island, and had distributed several copies
among the Chinese. On enquiring how they came
there, his reply surprised and gratified me, as it
shewed more good sense, and propriety, than I
before believed him to possess. Many of the Chi-
nese, according to his own account, were very bad
men. Te found them tearing these books, in order
to roll up a small quantity of tobacco in the paper,
as they are accustomed to do, for smoking. He
told them it was a ‘‘bad fashion,” and persuaded
them to exchange them with him for an equal
quantity of the same description of paper, which
had no good words on it.
The Priest began to rise in my esteem: taking
up St. Luke’s Gospel, in which, (thanks to my
and that
s of the
ys made
informa-
‘and the
“Well,”
ool as to
nt rogue,
‘country-
e books!”
e right of
he. To
r gospels,
y touched
ral copies
hey came
me, as it
y, than I
f the Chi-
very bad
s, in order
the paper,
cing. He
persuaded
an equal
yer, Which
m: taking
ks to my
|
|
| a
Trifles from St. Helena. 195
lessons from Aping) I was able to turn to chapter
and verse, asking first if he could read, and getting
a reply in the affirmative, I directed his attention
to the 16th Chapter, and desired him to begin at
the 19th Verse. He began to spout aloud in a
sing song style, when I stopped him, by saying,
that may be very good Chinese, for aught I know,
but I dont understand it. Tell me in English,
what it is all about; whereupon he gave a correct
account of the rich man and Lazarus. On my
asking what he thought of it—He replied, “ Welly
good—all same in China—good man go up top—
bad man go down below.” This man could read;
he had the book of life before him, with time at
his own disposal, for as priest, he was excused from
all work; and who can tell what effect has been
produced by this time, on his mind and conscience.
It 13 a question of grave and serious import, how
far a christian colony was justified in permitting
the erection of temples for idol worship, and fur-
ther, in paying and feeding Priests to sacrifice to
Devils !
Of vegetables there was generally no lack ;
which, in quality, were not surpassed by any in
the home markets. The prolific nature of the
soil may be estimated by reference to the follow-
ing Gardener’s calendar, published on the Island in
1832 :—
196 Trifles from St. Helena.
“ January. — When you have a command of
water, sow and plant cauliflowers for an after crop;
also peasand French beans; plant potatoes; grapes,
figs, oranges, and China peaches, are now beginning
to ripen.
* Frpruary.— Plant more potatoes; sow tur-
nips, carrots, cabbages, celery, lettuce, onions, &e.
‘‘Manci.—Sow peas, beans, spinach, and let-
tuce, every fortnight, for a succession.
“ Aprit,—Sow turnips, carrots, radishes, mus-
tard, chervil, onions, red cabbages, and savoys ;
pomegranates and island peaches are now ripening.
“¢ May.—Plant cabbages and savoys; sow cau-
liflowers, lettuces, &c., to plant out the following
month.
“ June.—This month is favourable for trans-
planting trees, both forest and ornamental shrubs ;
sow beans, peas, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, &c.
“ Juty.—Plant cabbages, cauliflowers, and po-
tatoes ; vines should be pruned this month. This
month is the best in the year for planting forest
trees, the holes for which should be prepared at
least a month back.
“ Aucust.—Plant potatoes, sow turnips, carrots,
celery, lettuce, &c.; vines not pruned last month,
should now be finished, and the cuttings planted
if young plants be required. Plant fruit trees, also
bud and graft.
nand of
er crop;
; grapes,
eginning
BOW tur-
ons, &e.
and let-
es, muls-
SAVOYS 5
ripening.
sow cau-
following
or trans-
1 shrubs ;
&e.
, and po-
th. This
ing forest
apared at
8, carrots,
st month,
s planted
trees, also
|
Trifles from St. Helena. 197
‘‘ Septemper. — Plant potatoes, onions, beans,
water melons, and pumpkins; sow early cabbages,
carrots, salad, and parsley; this is the best time
for sowing all small herbs, and, in the higher situ-
ations, for transplanting fruit trees.
“ Ocroner.—Sow lettuces, turnips, peas, beans,
red and white beet, cucumbers; plant cabbages,
and potatoes.
‘“¢ Novemper.—Plant French beans and cucum-
bers; vines should have all superfluous young
shoots that have not shown fruit taken off, and
strong shoots topped—it will much forward the
fruit; care should be taken to keep them free
from caterpillars.
“Decemper.—Plant French beans, peas, cauli-
flowers, and cabbages; sow melons, cucumbers,
&e.”
From the above, it appears that potatoes might
be planted six different months in the year. The
farmers derived their principal income from the
sale of this esculent: a Jarge Bengal ship, full of
passengers, would take from 20 to 50 bags, at the
rate of 15,18, or even 20s. per bag, containing
about two bushels. When it is remembered that
four or five hundred ships annually touched at the
Island for water and vegetables, the crews of which
in the aggregate amounted to 13,000 men, it may
be supposed that farming produce of all kinds, and
especially potatoes, would be in great request, and
find a ready market.
————
+
A oe
Ree I =
ESSE NNT ean ERSTE te
a mae RE a NANI RN
nS RT ORI
nic nna anteater ila ai canteen: ater lec aN
a ~
198 Trifles from St. Helena.
The cultivators had many enemies to contend
against. ‘To small proprietors the potato crop
was their all; and the progress of it to maturity
was watched with great anxiety. In a particu-
larly dry season, hosts of grubs would assail the
young shoots as they appeared above the ground,
and cut them off just below the surface. If they
escaped the grubs, and rain were withheld, the po-
tatoes would prove of diminutive size; or just as
they were putting forth their flowers, myriads of
caterpillars would, in a brief space, change the
brightest promise into disappointment. In_ this
latter case, I have known a crop saved by borrow-
ing flocks of ducks and turkeys, turning them
among the potatoes, and thus speedily reducing the
number of caterpillars.
The following census of the population of St.
Helena was taken in the year 1839 :—
Under | Between Between | Between Upwards! Total. |
10 years. | 10 & 20) 20& 30!) 30& 50] of 50, | ma i
oe eee
—_——— | me
SY | ee ee
|
F gialals glaia|)4| 2
aid a als Sialailal és
a £/2 | 2/5 Se fae ale _
'675|6751397 509 264 | 388 409 | 348) 321 219) 4,205 |
Of this number 2238 resided in James Town,
being rather more than half the population of the
Island.
contend
ato crop
maturity
_ particu-
issail the
> ground,
If they
1, the po-
or just as
yriads of
ange the
In_ this
y borrow-
ing them
lucing the
on of St.
ne
"| Total.
nes Town,
tion of the
Trifles from St. Helena.
199
Krom the subjoined Bills of Mortality, for the
years 1831 and 1833, some idea may be formed
of the healthiness of the climate
Accident
Apoplexy
Asthma
Bleeding
Bowel Complaint
Brain Fever ... eee
Childbed ate
Cancer
Consumption of the Lungs
Convulsions ..-. ar
Debility
Decline
Disease of Heart
AGES.
Under I year
From 1 to 6 years
From 6 to 12
From 12 to 20
Inhabitants
qarrison
Strangers
Apoplexy
Consumption
Convulsions ...
Colic
Croup eee
Delirium Tremens
Diarrhoea...
Dysentery (Chronic)
Dropsy ;
Elephantiasis
Fever (Low) eas
Fever (Worm)
Gout ave
L83l
I | Dropsy
i pilepsy
on
1 | Gout
2 | Inflammation ef Bow ale.
3 | Inflammation of Lungs .
2 | Liver Complaint
2 |; Old Age
l Scurvy ‘
ri Water on Brain
12 Worm lever
2 Not ascertained
6
1 Total
From 20 to 40
Zl From 40 to 70
9 | From 70 to 99
i.
ae | Total
62
af sn = lo
‘0% siete side 6
Total oie pee 84
1833
1 Disease of Heart
10 Disease of Liver
6 Rickets
2 Scurvy
1 Water on the Head
] Weakness of Birth
7 Old Age
3 Accidents
3 Not ascertained
1 Suicide
2
2 Total
AGES.
Under | year
From 1 to 5 wit
From 5 to 10 ee
From 10 to 20
Inhabitants
Garrison
Invalid Company
Strangers
Total
Trifles from St. Helena.
oat
™ Or Cr o>
From 20 to 40 cee 28
Krom 40 to 70 eg,
Above 70 or ae 9
Total... = 80
65
6
2
7
80
Superficies of St. Helena in acres, 30,800.
Height of Diana’s Peak above the level of the
sea, 2,697 feet.
Long Wood, about 1,730 feet.
Ladder Hill, 600 feet.
VINCENT, PRINTER, OXFORD,
eee 23
18
9
80
65
6
2
7
80
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